Ardan’s PoV

I was ten years old, running through the woods with my best friend, Ren. Ren and I were inseparable, always finding excuses to sneak away from our lessons and explore the forest that bordered our pack’s land.

That day, we’d wandered farther than usual, chasing the echo of a distant waterfall. The sound was faint, teasing us with its mystery, and Ren was determined to find it.

“Come on, Ardan!” he called with his grin wide as he darted ahead.

“Slow down, Ren,” I shouted, laughing as I tried to keep up.

We were so caught up in the thrill of the chase that we didn’t notice the...