ainst the forest floor, the ominous growl

the air, mingling with the earthy

y were closing in fast. Just when hope seemed lost, a sparkle of

d forward, the shadows of the hu

nt of icy water caught her attention-a narrow

ing her like a protective cloak. She swam hard against the current, the w

lf downstream, acutely aware that her scent still ling

ds. As the water deposited her around a bend, a cluster of rock

onlight, stood Kael-a rugged figure with a bow slung o

wolves rapidly closing in, their

tively turned, his instincts kicking in as he sized up the unfolding chaos. His keen

ing with a sharp twang. The arrow found its mark, striking true. The wolf let out a pa

tiously approaching Kael. "Thank you," she gasp

his expression unreadable. "But don't mistake this for kindness-I'm hu

usion swirling within her. "I didn't mean

ed slightly. "It's not your fault. Those wolves were

connection flickered between them, an understandi

d to face the dense thicket. "We must move quickly," he urged his voice stead

sense heightened, she caught the crisp scent of damp earth mingling

soft rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze and

ous trekking, Kael led her to a secluded

t chamber adorned with shimmering stone walls that glistene

sting flickering shadows that seemed

from his position by the flames, surprise brightening his eyes. "B

r, replied, "This is Aria. She's being hunted by a mer

at had shattered her life, and the sorrow that clung to her like a heavy shroud. As her words unfolded, she notic

nd resolute. "I'm Kieran," he stated, his gaze unwavering. "We won't let y

s of his eyes. "For now, you are safe here," he reassured her. "W