MAXIMUS’S POV

The forest was too fucking quiet.

Every sound felt heavy. Every shadow looked alive. My paws hit the wet earth again and again, the rhythm fast and desperate. The night air was cold, cutting through my fur, but I barely felt it. All I could think about was her.

Emilia.

Her scent was faint, like smoke fading into the wind. Vanilla and jasmine. The smell that always used to calm me now only made my chest tighten until it hurt to breathe.

I followed it anyway, even though it was getting weaker with every step. My wolf’s instincts were sharp, but right now they felt useless. I pushed...