scanned the arca, my senses on high alert. âThis isnât random. They knew weâd come.â
âOf course they did,â Evelyn muttered, looking around. âThe question is, how ready for us are they?â
We walked more carefully then, the tension growing thick between us. My mind was racing with thoughts of this and that, each heavier by the minute. I couldnât lose Dane. Not like this.
Trajanâs voice cut into my thoughts again. âYouâre not just doing this for him, are you?â
His gaze locked on mine, and my breath hitched in my throat. âWhat do you mean?â
âItâs not about saving Dane, but you carry the future of this pack on your shoulders. You canât afford to let your emotions cloud your judgment.â
I shaked under his words, though I knew how right he was. âI know whatâs at stake, Trajan. But donât tell me not to care about him. Heâsâ¦â I caught myself, shaking my head.
âHeâs what?â
âEverything,â I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Trajan nodded, his face softening. âThen letâs make sure we bring the antidote back.â
Evelyn was quiet, her eyes keen as she observed the area as we moved on.
The forest is closing in around us. The distant drop of water indicated there was a stream nearby and I signaled to the to stop and reorganize.
âThis way,â I said, leading them toward the sound. group
As we reached the stream, I saw a glow. I froze, gesturing for the others to stop.
âWhat is it?â Trajan whispered.
I gestured ahead, and through the trees a small campsite. flickered into view. Firelight danced across the treetops,
throwing weird shadows, and around the fire wolves, armed and watchful.
Then I saw her.
Kaida stood in the middle of the camp, bow in hand, relaxed. Her curvy figure was wrapped in her golden armor, her movements as fluid as the flames dancing behind her.
She turned and her dark eyes locked to mine, a slow smirk spreading across her face.
âWell, well,â she drawled, a mocking edge to her voice. âLook who decided to join the party.â
My heart was racing as she raised her bow, the arrow glinting. sinisterly in the firelight.