Ovelia's POV
The forest air rushed past my face in cold streams as Ann's powerful strides ate up the ground. Pine needles whipped at my cheeks, their sharp scent mixing with the damp earth churned up by Ann's paws. My fingers ached from clinging to her fur, but I didn't dare loosen my grip—not when every heartbeat brought us closer to—
"There!" Ann's voice cut through the rushing wind, her ears pricking forward. "I see them!"
My breath caught. Between the swaying branches, three familiar silhouettes stood outlined against the flickering campfire glow. Ace's broad shoulders tensed as he turned, his silver fur catching the moonlight like polished steel. Beside him, Ray's orange-and-silver pelt shimmered like molten metal—my first proper look at him transformed. Despite everything, my chest swelled seeing them unharmed, standing tall against the darkness.
