The forest embraced me with each stride, my feet pounding against the soft earth as I ran alongside Rhys. Wind rushed through my hair, carrying the scents of pine and wild berries. For a brief moment, I felt free.
"You're fast!" Rhys called out, slightly breathless as he kept pace beside me.
I couldn't help the small smile that curved my lips. "I've had practice."
Memories flickered unbidden through my mind—younger versions of Kaelen, Ronan, and Orion racing me through these same woods. Their laughter echoing between trees, their faces untainted by hatred. Back then, I'd been their friend, not their enemy. Before my father's disgrace, before everything shattered.
"First checkpoint up ahead!" Rhys pointed toward a flash of blue fabric tied to a tall oak.
We veered right, snagging the ribbon and marking it off our map. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting silver patterns across the forest floor. My wolf stirred contentedly within me, relishing the run.
