"We'll go through the plan one more time before putting it into action," Niva said, her voice firm. She sat close to the fire, letting her gaze sweep across us.

  "You'll head out together through the darker part of the forest. Halfway through, Rex will break off toward the north to try and circle around to their hideout. Will and Tracy—you'll take the southern path. It's the most dangerous route. They're more active there, and you risk being spotted, so you'll need to be careful." She paused before continuing.

  "You'll meet at their camp. Hopefully, Rex will have found Amelia and the children before the rest of you arrive."

  Everyone nodded quietly.

  "I'll stay here with Sac until he wakes up. If he's strong enough, we'll set off to meet up with you. We'll likely know soon enough if everything is going according to plan."

  "If something goes wrong," Will added, "our goal is still to reach the camp and rescue Amelia and the kids. We keep going—no matter what."

  There were nods of agreement all around.

  I packed a bag for the three of us—with some food and basic medical supplies.

  "May your journey be safe and successful," Niva said, pulling me into a firm, warm hug before we set off toward the darkest part of the forest.

  Will went first, I followed close behind, and Rex kept to the rear.

  We moved silently between the trees. The only sounds were our breathing and the crunch of snow beneath our boots. The darkness was thicker here—heavier than in other parts of the forest, as if the ground itself was swallowing the light.

  Will glanced back from time to time, and each time he did, the sense of safety inside me held firm. Despite the cold. Despite the silence.

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  When we'd made it halfway, we stopped at a twisted old tree. Rex placed his hand against the trunk and nodded at us.

  "I'll take the northern route from here," he whispered. "See you at the camp."

  Will nodded back, and Rex disappeared soundlessly among the trees.

  We stood still for a moment, just Will and me. It was as if the forest was holding its breath.

  "Are you ready?" he asked quietly.

  I nodded. "As long as you're here."

  He gave a faint smile, took my hand for a second before we moved on. The southern part of the forest was quieter, deader. No animals. No birds. Just the wind sliding between the trunks like a wordless whisper.

  That's when we heard it.

  The sound of footsteps. Fast, heavy. Like several bodies moving at once—but not with a human rhythm. It was deeper than that. Heavier.

  Will pulled me close, and we crouched behind a snow-covered boulder. I saw his eyes narrow, focused on the darkness ahead.

  And there—between the trees—shadows moved. Large, dark. Wolf-shapes. Fast. Dangerous.

  They were heading straight for us.

  I felt my pulse quicken, but Will didn't move. He tensed his muscles, ready to protect. I placed my hand on his arm. We would fight if we had to.

  But then the wolves suddenly stopped—just a few meters away. They didn't move. Just stared.

  One of them—larger than the others, with a dark scar across its snout—took a step forward. Its head tilted to the side, sniffing the air.

  And then—slowly—the body began to shift.

  Bones cracked. Skin stretched. Fur disappeared.

  Nick.

  Will rose slowly. I followed.

  "Nick?" I breathed.

  He smiled—tired, relieved. "It's us. We thought you were dead."

  Behind him, the others shifted too—Gus, Sate, and three villagers I recognized from the village. They were dirty, worn, but alive.

  Will took a step forward. "How... how many of you are there?"

  "Over twenty," Sate answered. "We got out before the darkness fully closed in. We've been hiding. Waiting. Until we saw you."

  Gus stepped forward, serious. "We know where they're keeping the children. And Amelia. But we've been too few to do anything."

  I looked at Will. "Not anymore."