a's

owly, he began to approach me, and I was f

ding giant. The sun behind this stranger cast beams all

reaction. And the first mistake I

hold me in a silent conversation, an inexplicable connection humming between us. It was as

ntegral t

...

icting emotions-confusion, vulnerability, and a longing that I couldn't

e sudden surge of emotions, not when my world had just shattered moments ago. I coul

n't all

ess washed over me. I had no idea I was bleeding from my leg,

ered back, and somehow foun

own at me. With steady steps, he began to approach me. Like a deer caught in the glare of a

s away from me. I caught his scent; it filled up my

d my shoulders, pulling me up. I gasped

d to the left, and yelled. "Oi! Send two

ed from the dense forest to their left. Branches sna

across his cheek, skidded to a halt. "What's happ

eplied, gesturing to my disheveled form.

ed a makeshift stretcher using their cloaks. With pra

my eyes fluttered weakly before closing again. My breaths

wave of unconsciousness that came over me. Anythi

**

nd's

e, uncertain of the best course of action. My thoughts

our paths collided in the forest, even though it was a day sin

eeled myself and pushed open t

corner of the room. The moment she saw me, sh

g me?" Her voice, laced with di

u injured yourself back in the forest. You're

on the edge of the bed. Her posture remained guar

had been through a f

was scream

ld back my urges. The connection was even stronger between us than it had ever been;

your name

deepened.

dy but tinged with uncertainty. "I found you inju

here to finish what Luca's soldiers started, aren't you? Well, th

fear and desolation etched in every inch of her face.

of the Bloodstone

d from her face.

you running from, and why? Who were those guard

rned, pacing the dark room, then walked back to me. "You Alphas a

oman! The fact that she had the confidence to s

I surged forward. "And who sa

me with deadset eyes. "What are you goi

lf lost a

overed the distance between us. I grabbed the back of