POV: Xavier

I watched her walk into that darkness, and every instinct in my body screamed at me to follow. My wolf clawed at my chest, demanding I protect our mate. But Thelma had simply looked at me with those empty eyes and said, "I have to go. You know I do."

Then she disappeared into the cave, swallowed by shadows so thick they seemed solid.

The shadow creature remained at the entrance, a silent guardian that promised death to anyone who tried to pass. I stood there, fists clenched, breathing hard, feeling like someone had carved out my insides with a dull knife.

"Xavier." Luna's hand touched my shoulder....