Thirty Three

Damian

The crack of a snapping twig split the stillness. I reacted on pure instinct, dropping into a crouch behind the dense bramble, one hand falling to the dagger at my belt. Stormwind obeyed the silent signal to freeze, nostrils flaring.

Another rustle, closer now. I peered through the thorns, pulse racing. Had Natalia blundered into some wild beast's path? Or worse - were human bounty hunters on her trail? If she came to harm when so near to safety, I would never forgive myself.

But the small figure that limped slowly into view made me sag in profound relief. Wrapped in a tattered cloak several sizes too large, Natalia looked utterly spent. Her feet were bare and bloodied, hands scratched from clawing her way through the underbrush. But by some miracle, she was alive.

I stepped from concealment just as she slumped weakly against a nearby oak. Natalia gasped in alarm, recoiling until she glimpsed my face. Confusion creased her brow.

"Alpha Damian?" she rasped weakly. "How...why a