Chapter 31; Claws Like Iron

The sun was high in the sky, casting dappled light through the canopy as Adrian and I rode into the woods. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, mingling with the rhythmic thud of hooves on the forest floor. My senses were heightened, the world around me vivid and alive.

Adrian rode close beside me, his presence a comforting shadow. The path ahead promised not only the thrill of the hunt but also a chance to reclaim a sense of normalcy, to remind myself of the strength I had gained.

"Ready for a real challenge?" Adrian called out, a playful gleam in his eyes.

I grinned, feeling the excitement bubbling up inside me. "Always."

We rode deeper into the woods, the sounds of the forest enveloping us. Birds chirped overhead, and the rustling of leaves whispered secrets in the breeze. It was a world away from the whispers of town gossip, a place where I could breathe freely.

Suddenly, Adrian reined in his horse, holding up a hand. I followed his gaze and spotted a deer grazing in a smal