Louis’ POV……

The forest swallowed us long before sunset.

Damien rode ahead despite the gash torn across his ribs, stubborn as ever. Blood soaked through his shirt in dark blotches, and every few minutes I heard his breath hitch—but when I tried to speak, he only grunted,

“I’m fine. Keep moving.”

Typical Alpha.

The salve I applied, seemed to not be working.

We walked until the moon climbed high, pale and hollow. The air grew colder, the winds sharper, and finally ...