I'm standing at the edge of the Bloodfang territory, my boots sinking into mud that's cold enough to numb my toes.
The trees here are all gnarled and silent, like they're judging me for being stupid enough to walk into a wolf den alone.
But here I am, magic fizzing under my skin like a shaken soda can, trying to convince myself this isn't the worst idea I've ever had (and trust me I have had many).
Jay's somewhere behind me, far enough that Kael's scouts won't sniff him out but close enough to hear if I scream.
Not that screaming's part of the plan.
I take a deep breath that tastes like pine and rot and start moving. My magic's on standby, a warm hum in my chest. When the first patrol rounds the corner; a pair of werewolves with eyes like smoldering coals.
I let my magic ripple out just enough to make them see… nothing. Just empty air where I'm not standing.
