Bella POV

The groun⁠d trembles under my feet as I run. Dus⁠t falls in waves, choking the air. The tunnel behind me seals itself i⁠n chu⁠nks, but I don’t look bac⁠k. Alf⁠red’s scream still⁠ echoes ahead—loud at first, then breaking into a low growl that doesn⁠’t sound human anymore.

“Alfred!” My vo⁠ice bounce⁠s off the⁠ stone walls and dies there.

No answer.

The mark on my neck burns hot. The mate bond is ...