Chapter Twenty Two

The damp, earthy scent of the cave system enveloped them as Aiden and Declan shifted back to their human forms and stepped inside, their footsteps echoing against the jagged rock walls. The air was thick with the musky aroma of ancient stone and the faint hint of something more - a trail that beckoned to be followed.

Casting a sidelong glance at his twin, Aiden's brow furrowed, the muscle in his jaw tightening. "We'll cover more ground if we split up." Without waiting for a response, he turned and disappeared into the shadowy depths, his powerful strides swallowing the darkness.

Declan watched him go, his lips curving into a wry smile. "Always in a hurry." Inhaling deeply, he allowed his senses to expand, reaching out to the myriad of scents that danced on the stale air.

There - a faint trace, barely perceptible, yet undeniably familiar. Lucia. His pulse quickened as he pivoted and raced after the elusive trail, his boots pounding against the uneven terrain. "Hang on, Luce," he murm