CHAPTER 35

I stumbled through the thick woods, feeling my body hurt with each move. The things that happened in the temple kept coming back to me – fighting with Ryder, the strange wolf helping me, and the terrible time when Ryder caught my rescuer. I felt bad and wanted to continue, even though I was exhausted.

Out of nowhere, I noticed a change in the atmosphere. The unseen wall that kept me away from my group was gone, and I was near our campsite. I felt happy, but also exhausted. My legs couldn't hold me up anymore, and I fell down.

“Aurora!” Xander's voice broke through my pain and tiredness. He was by my side in no time, holding me in his arms. His familiar smell – like pine trees, dirt, and home – made me cry.

“Call the healer!” Xander yelled, his voice shaking his chest. “Hurry!”

As gentle hands tended to my wounds, I recounted everything that had happened in the temple. Xander listened intently, his expression growing darker with each word.

“A mysterious wolf?” he asked, his brow fu