Lyra's POV
The shapes emerging weren't our enemies—wild wolves had been tracking us. No pups traveled with the pack. These were fully grown adults, primed for battle.
"The wild wolves... they've been tailing us," Beckett whispered, and I caught the wonder threading through his voice.
We froze in place until one wolf padded forward, pressing its snout against Beckett's leg—a clear signal for us to keep moving.
On any normal day, I'd have been captivated, wanting to linger and count how many wolves lurked behind the trees and undergrowth, hidden so expertly.
"We need to keep going," Beckett finally said, shaking off his amazement as he guided us toward safety.
The path to Alpha Ezra's territory proved brutal. My pregnancy made every step a struggle—I gasped for air constantly and begged for breaks that only put us in greater danger. The guilt ate at me, knowing my condition exposed everyone to risk.
