~Kaida Orion POV~
The scream cut through the night like a blade and it wasn't just fear in that voice it was pain, real pain.
"Lupus…" My heart twisted, the sound pulling me forward before I could think.
Biat grabbed my arm, yanking me back. "It's a trap," he said, his tone low but urgent. "You run toward that voice, you'll never come back."
"I know his voice, Biat, that was him." My own voice shook.
Biat's grip tightened. "And I know what tricks these things play you want to save him? Then keep your head clear."
The fake Lupus was still there, shadows writhing around his feet like smoke. He tilted his head, eyes glinting in the moonlight. "You're wasting time."
"Where is he?" I demanded, my dagger firm in my grip now.
"Close enough for you to hear him scream," the fake replied smoothly. "Far enough that by the time you reach him… maybe he won't be screaming anymore."
Biat stepped in front of me, his blade raised. "Kaida, go, I'll hold him off."
