AYLA'S POV
We crashed through the forest like prey.
Behind us, the howls multiplied—dozens, then hundreds. The Scentless moved like shadows given teeth, their cries scraping against my mind like claws on stone.
"Faster!" Kael pulled me forward, his hand locked around mine.
I yanked free. "Don't touch me."
"Ayla—"
"I can run on my own."
His jaw clenched, but he didn't argue. We sprinted side by side, the bond between us a constant, burning reminder of his betrayal.
Rylan's translucent form flickered ahead, scouting. "There's a ravine half a mile north. We can lose them in the water."
"Or drown," I snapped.
"Better than being torn apart."
A Scentless burst from the trees to our left—eyeless, mouth gaping with too many teeth. Kael's blade sang through the air, severing its head before it could strike. Black ichor sprayed across the snow.
"Keep moving!"
