Chapter 278 Caleb's Mission Cont

• I pushed harder. Running beyond physical limits. Drawing on wolf strength. On magical enhancement. On desperate need to reach Luna before portal fully opened. Before Cole's plan manifested completely. Before my absence caused catastrophe my presence might have prevented.
• The forest thinned. Silverwood's wards appeared ahead. Glowing with strain. Buckling under portal pressure. Weakening because Luna was channeling everything into defense instead of ward maintenance. Because she was alone facing what two mates should face together.
• I crossed ward boundary. Felt magical resistance. Felt wards recognizing me but questioning entry. Felt protective systems designed to keep threats out treating me like threat because I'd left. Because I'd abandoned. Because I'd chosen investigation over mate bond obligations.