Chapter 62: Echoes of the Past

The tranquility of the night was interrupted by a low, ominous howl. Aria stirred in her sleep, the sound reverberating through the castle walls. She sat up abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Ryker, did you hear that?” she whispered, glancing over at her mate.

Ryker was already awake, his eyes alert and focused. “I heard it,” he replied, swinging his legs out of bed and grabbing his sword. “Stay here. I’ll check it out.”

“No, I’m coming with you,” Aria insisted, her resolve firm. “We face everything together, remember?”

Ryker’s expression softened, and he nodded. “Together, then.”

They moved silently through the...