The tunnel was tight and cold as it was carved deep under the ground. Maravelle wrapped her cloak around herself.
Behind them, they heard the bell ring.
Their time was up.
They reached the hatch. Siri pushed it open, and pale moonlight spilled down on them.
The northern gate was empty.
They climbed out, and both shifted. Maravelle's Lycan form surged forward. Siri's smaller wolf ran beside her, trying to keep pace.
"I… I can't keep up," Siri gasped.
Maravelle didn't speak. She stopped, crouched, and lowered herself.
Siri understood. She climbed onto Maravelle's back, gripping her tight.
Then Maravelle ran — swift as wind — carrying them both into the night.
Maravelle tore across the dark fields, her paws pounding the earth in long, powerful strides. The cold night air cut around them, sharp as glass, but she didn't slow. Siri clung to her, trembling but silent, her small body rising and falling with each leap.
