Chapter 39

“I’ll handle it.”

As he left, I turned to see Dante emerging from the shadows, his presence steady as ever. His dark eyes met mine, and for a moment, the chaos around us faded.

“It’s time,” he said simply.

I nodded.

“It’s time.”

The forest was alive with motion as our wolves formed a defensive line. The air was thick with the scents of pine and damp earth, but beneath it lingered the sharp tang of adrenaline. I stood at the front, Osric at my side, as the sounds of approaching wolves grew louder.

“They’re trying to test us,” Osric said, his eyes scanning the treeline.