The forest blurred around me as I ran, my paws barely skimming the ground. My wolf was exhilarated, enjoying the freedom of movement after being cooped up for so long. The emotional turmoil of slapping Kaelen still weighed on me, but the rhythmic pounding of my paws against the earth provided a temporary escape.
I pushed myself harder, heading toward the pack borders where Valerius waited. The message about my father had set my heart racing, and each second felt like an eternity.
As I approached our meeting spot, I caught his scent on the wind—that distinctive mix of pine and something uniquely him. My wolf perked up, surprisingly eager. I slowed my pace, padding cautiously into the small clearing.
Valerius was already there in his wolf form—massive and pitch black, his amber eyes finding mine immediately. He was magnificent, his coat gleaming in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
