~ASHTON~

I refused to let the Soul Keepers separate me from Hazel, clenching my fists with a mixture of determination and protectiveness. She was not ready to be in these woods on her own, definitely not with those beasts stationed everywhere.

I hadn't taught her about all the creatures lurking in the darkness—the silent predators in the trees, and the many poisonous vines, and more fruits that she should stay away from.

She was still lacking in her fighting skills, the thought of her ...