ls of owls, the rustling of leaves-were drowned out by the growls, snarls, and the unmistakable stampede of heavy paws pounding the earth.

ing darkness. He didn't look back at her, but Selene could f

t, her voice cutting thro

glance over his shoulder. His silver eyes were glowing faintly

to understand this." Her pulse raced, a rush of adrenaline making her heart pound in her chest. It was as thou

ith reluctant understanding. "You need to stay close to me. Understand?" His voice wa

ds. The growls grew louder, more distinct, the presence of the rogue wolves undeniable now. She could feel the energy

turning to face her just as they

es, their eyes glowing with hunger. Their eyes glinted in the dark, like predators stal

Her heart beat wildly, and she instinctively took a step back, though part of her was burning with the desire t

pression unreadable, his body taut and prepared for action. He shot Selene a

elene said, more to

his voice laced with something unreadable.

r veins thrum with an unfamiliar energy, her instincts screaming for action, but she couldn't quite grasp it yet. Sh

terrifying yellow. It snarled, teeth bared, as it locked eyes with Rowan. The alpha of the rogues was here,

ing, circling as if preparing to strike. Selene's breath c

nstant, the first rogue lunged, its t

e's attack and striking with precision. His body shifted, muscles rippl

but she didn't know how. The need to fight, to protect, was growing inside her, and she felt the pul

urgent. She turned to see him, his expression tight with wo

nd for a brief moment, terror paralyzed her. But then, the world seemed to slow again-she coul

al instinct that didn't be

ing the earth as it struggled to right itself. A feeling of power surged through her, sharp and wild, and before she cou

allen creature. Its yellow eyes narrowed at her, but i

d. Had she done that? Did she have this kind of power? Was this what Declan meant? The feeling of stren

e, the electricity crackling in the air, and in her. The connection to the pack, to the land, to the

rward, something shifted in the woods. From the darkness, somet

ogue

s eyes glowed a fierce, unnatural gold. There was no question that he was their leader-his presence filled

heart stopped, and an instinctual fear washed over her. This was no ordinary rogue

ening-she just felt the need to act. The alpha's growl deepened, a challe