Chapter 22

• It was harder avoiding the branches because I was up a lot higher than other wolves. My body was much larger, which meant that where smaller wolves could duck and weave between trees effortlessly, I had to constantly maneuver around low-hanging limbs, thick brambles, and overgrown brush. My massive paws crushed roots and leaves as I powered through the forest with determination burning in my chest.
• Still, I made it towards the border. I wasn’t going to be stopped—not by trees, not by pain, not by doubt. As I approached, I saw the patrols lined up and standing guard at the edge of the territory. They were blocking the path ahead, forming a solid wall of muscle and fur, and for a moment, I thought they might try to stop me.
• I didn’t know whether Ethan had mind-linked them or not, but the second they saw me charging forward—white fur streaking like lightning, eyes full of fury—they stepped aside and let me pass. No hesitation. No questions. Just instinct. Perhaps they recognized that nothing would stop me now. Maybe they sensed the storm boiling just under my skin.