The wind bit at my face as we ran. Aira clutched Kiani's hand, pulling her close, her eyes wide with panic. We could hear them behind us—John's men. Loud voices. Heavy boots. Shotguns cocking.
"This way!" I shouted over my shoulder, guiding them off the dirt path and into the trees. I knew the way to the portal. The Seer had shown me. It was hidden, shielded by magic and forest. But we had to get there before it was too late.
Kiani stumbled, falling to her knees. "Mama!"
Aira picked her up without a word and kept running, her breath ragged, arms trembling. I slowed down to help, gripping Kiani's small hand.
"Are they close?" Aira asked, her voice shaking.
I sniffed the air. "Yes. Too close."
I could hear them shouting.
"Find the witch! Find the girl!"
They didn't even care about Kiani. They only cared about Aira. About control.
And they hated me. I'd shown them something they didn't understand. My claws. My strength. My growl.
My wolf.
