Rosa's POV

I knew that scent. I would know it anywhere.

The fishing line was limp and forgotten in my hands. My attention had drifted elsewhere. I was focused on that single scent. It could be him, but I couldn't dare to hope.

My heart pounded in my chest as I turned my head, scanning the treeline beyond the riverbank. At first, there was nothing but the rustling leaves, swayed by the evening wind. Then I saw movement. A flash of dark fur among the trees.

Was that a wolf?

I rose to my feet, looking around wildly. “Who’s there?” I called.

The wolf didn’t answer. Instead, it turned and...