The forest seemed to close in around them as Seraphina and her pack followed the sound of footsteps deeper into its depths. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of twigs beneath their feet sent shivers down their spines, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife.

"We're getting close," Tristan said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seraphina nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as they pressed forward, their senses on high alert for any sign of their elusive foe. But try as they might, there was still no sign of Magnus, no trace of his whereabouts.

"He's leading us into a trap," Thalia whispered,...