The east garden was shadowed and eerie in the moonlight.
Selene stood near the willow tree, her hand resting on the hidden dagger at her belt. Every nerve was on high alert. Every sense stretched out searching for threats.
The half-moon provided just enough light to see the basic shapes of hedges and flower beds, but left deep pockets of shadow where anything could be hiding.
She'd been here for maybe five minutes. Waiting. Watching. Ready to fight or run depending on what emerged from the darkness.
The note had said midnight. It was three minutes past now.
Maybe no one was coming. Maybe this was just a cruel joke. Or maybe whoever sent it was watching her, testing to see if she was brave enough or stupid enough to actually show up.
Then she heard it. A footstep. Soft. Deliberate. Coming from the shadows near the hedge maze entrance.
Selene's hand tightened on her dagger. Her wolf surged forward, ready to defend if necessary.
