Chapter 23 The Eyes In The Dark

• The fire crackled softly in the center of the camp, casting dancing shadows across the assembled wolves. Ivy sat beside Kael on a thick log, her body still buzzing with the aftershocks of the ritual. Her blood hummed with ancient magic. She could feel him—Kael—like a second heartbeat. Not just near her, but within her.
• She glanced at him now, his profile lit gold by the flames. He hadn't spoken much since they returned from the Grove. Neither had she. The bond between them felt unshakable, but beneath it was a thin thread of tension—like both of them sensed something waiting to tear it apart.
• Lira approached, face drawn tight. She didn't even bother with pleasantries.