Ninety-seven

The scent of Louis lingered in the air like a beacon, pulling me forward with every breath I took. The night around me was silent, save for the rhythmic thudding of my heart in my ears, growing louder and faster with each step. I ran, pushing my human body to its limits, feeling the burn in my muscles, the raw energy pulsing through my veins. The forest blurred around me as I sped toward him, the world narrowing to a single point—Louis.

His scent was strong now, tinged with the metallic edge of blood. My chest tightened with fear, the air growing thicker with every breath as I pressed...