Prologue
It’s dark.
So dark that my eyes can’t adjust to the endless gloom of the forest.
Thank goodness someone—something—is carrying me.
Wait...
I’m being carried?
By who?
The moment I try to move, a sharp, throbbing pain explodes on the right side of my head. I freeze. Every pulse sends another stabbing wave through my skull, forcing me to grit my teeth to keep from crying out.
“It’s alright, Angel. I’ll make sure you survive.”
A deep, growling voice rumbles beside my ear.
Is he talking to me?
Survive?
Am I... dying?
Yeah.
As my body grows more aware of its weakness, my lungs tighten, making every breath a struggle. I want to scream, but exhaustion wraps around my voice like chains, refusing to let the sound escape.
“Stop struggling. You’re bleeding too much,” the voice orders.
Right...
Blood.
I can feel it running down my face. Thick. Warm. Sticky. It dries against my skin, covering one eye while its metallic smell turns my stomach.
Blood.
Disgusting.
Instinctively, I try to lift my hand to wipe it away, but my arm refuses to cooperate. It’s numb... almost lifeless.
“Angelica, please don’t close your eyes. Stay awake.”
The desperation in his voice grows with every word, each one dragged from somewhere deep inside his throat.
I want to answer him.
I really do.
Gathering every ounce of strength I have left, I force myself to speak.
“It’s... beautiful.”
The full moon shines through the towering trees, silver light spilling across the forest as everything rushes past. Whoever is carrying me moves even faster, branches blurring overhead.
“Angelica, hold on. I’m taking you somewhere safe.”
His voice trembles.
“I’m... I’m sorry, Kian.”
Every word costs me what little strength I have left.
“I’m too tired.”
My eyelids finally surrender, falling like a curtain over the moonlit sky.
He says something else, but I can’t make out the words.
My mind has already begun drifting away.
“You’re strong, my angel.”
His voice sounds distant now.
“Don’t forget me.”
His words fade into the darkness, along with the warmth of the thick fur surrounding me.
