cloak and tangled in her hair. Her legs trembled with every step as she stumbled down the

nd deceptively ordinary under the soft glow of the late morning sun. She leaned against

g in the trees. She knew she should feel terrified. Instead, a feverish certainty b

her nearly shrieked when sh

ers, pulling her close to inspect the scratches that crisscrosse

ied touch. She couldn't tell the truth. Who would beli

brambles when I heard... a fox." The lie tasted bitter.

go with you. A girl wander

er her breath. Lila let her fuss, nodding when needed, but her mind was miles away - lost among the moss a

from her arm to hide her true intention. She told her mother she was going to gather

only knew she had to see him - to know he

d the chapel, her heart lurched i

ng rifle strapped across his back. He stood slowly when he heard her foo

, tipping his hat. "Didn't expect to

evening, Mr. Thorn. I'

protector from the beasts the elders swore were nothing more than bedtime tales. He had the look of a m

"You know, I followed your footprints this morning. Deep

urned to ice.

I haven't seen since my father's day. Claw marks big as my palm. And a patch of moss burned c

that refused to come. She force

Mr. T

girls wander where they don't belong. If I catch wind you've gone back there - well." He tapped th

t again and strode past her down the hill

furled its cloak over the village. Lanterns flickered to life one by one, warm gl

Thorn had followed her trail. He knew. If he found Adrien c

et that happen

ade her flinch. Every distant bark or owl's cry dragged her thoughts

her cloak tight to muffle the whisper of fabric. She tucked a small bread loaf into her basket along with

on her side, one hand tucked under her cheek, breathing steady and soft. For a heartbe

ing clouds, but its ghostlight guided her feet along the hidden paths. She clutche

ened, disturbed by recent struggle. Branches overhead

whispered. "

ancient and watchful. The wind carried o

the clearing, a low growl r

- and the

ith drying blood, fangs glinting where his lips pulled back in warning. But

rasped. His voice was rougher than

e said, voice bre

them in two strides. His hands - claws and all - close

ve marked yourself. By coming here again, by k

ck. "Then teach me how to fight

s smile wasn't bitter.

oice softer than moonlight. "You'd

chin. "Not a mo