and maybe a touch of dread. She sensed Zane's strong, dominant, commanding presence bouncing off him. But when he looked at her, his movement had a different, softer aspect. A group of Reavers approa

e heat became more intense and her hands hurt. Starting to panic, her breathing became erratic. She had no say in it. The fire raged and before she could stop it, flames sprang from her palms igniting the surrounding air. "Stop!" she screamed, her heart racing. Flickering wildly, the flames consumed the space surrounding her, threatening to spiral out of control. Zane was there in a second, hands on her own. Like a grounding force, his touch drew her back from the brink. Though not unpleasant, his grip was firm; his energy was radiating heat. Quietly, his voice a soft hum among the chaos, he said, "You're stronger than you know." Though the flames died down, her heart still rushed in her breast. Breathless, she looked at him; his expression was flat but he held her gaze for a long time. Then, something altered; his stare lingered on her in a way that made her stomach flutter with a strange sensation. Deanna's thoughts drifted. Though her inner fire was insatiable, so was the pull she felt for him. Zane's lips parted as if to speak, but a rumbling growl echoed from the trees. A sudden, strong wind swept across the camp carrying a smell she knew all too well: Tyler's rucksack. Zane replied, "Brace yourself," holding her tightly. Every step steeped in uncertainty, Deanna's feet dragged as she followed Zane down the winding paths of the Moon Reavers' camp. The wolves around them moved with silent intensity, their eyes always flashing toward her, weighing her up. Their gazes made her feel loaded with expectations pressing down on her shoulders. Zane seemed at ease in his surroundings; she was quite the opposite. Caught between her past and what she was starting to believe was her future, neither appeared a good option. Zane's voice cut through her thoughts. Your only safe spot is this one. Tyler will keep going until he gets you back. Those who know your skills won't quit either. Deanna stayed quiet. She could not. She wasn't sure whether to take Zane's remarks at face value, much less his recommendations. Though she couldn't undo the deceit, her body was still quivering with the power of his words. Tyler's face was burned into her mind; his hands were on Isla, her sister. Softly, in a pained tone, she replied, "I didn't ask for this." She struggled to look at him and hesitated. I did not ask for this. Not the power. Not the, whatever I am. Zane stopped and turned to face her, his expression soft yet serious. Deanna, nobody asked for their destiny. You have it and cannot escape it, though. You are Moon Queen's lineage. Your power... it can save these wolves. It might save everyone. She could neither breathe nor think. His comments' realism was too much. Though her fear held her back, she could feel the weight on her chest from the legacy he painted. Zane whispered, edging closer, "Come with us." His voice was steady; he offered more than just safety; he offered something more. Something she wasn't sure she wanted. You will be alright. Shelter. The Reavers will be loyal to you. He was a draw. Whenever he spoke, Deanna was always drawn to him, to his strength, his confidence. But she