Suddenly, piercing howls echoed around, followed by the heavy thumps of paws on the ground.
I froze. My arms instinctively pulled my sons closer as three werewolves emerged from the shadows and circled us.
"Mama…" Marcus whispered.
The deafening silence of the forest reverberated through my heart. The only remaining sounds were the steady breaths of the wolves and the soft rustling of leaves beneath their massive paws. My heart pounded violently against my ribs.
No…
I thought they had come to finish what the hunters couldn't. Maybe they wanted me for themselves alone. Maybe they were rogues, drawn by the scent of my sons. Or worse—maybe they were from his father's pack.
The thoughts sent an icy chill through my veins. My throat tightened, but I forced myself to speak firmly.
"Please…" My voice was hoarse. "I have no fight left in me. If you've come to kill me, then do it. But let my sons go."
