Opal's POV
The forest surrounding Alpha Marcus's territory had always felt too quiet. Not peaceful—just… waiting.
Opal's boots crunched lightly against damp pine needles as she weaved between trees, her breath catching in her throat every few steps. The shadows here didn't fall like they did at home—they bled across the ground, thick and oil-dark, twisting around roots and clawing up bark.
Behind her, Forrest was muttering.
"If we get eaten by demon deer, I'm haunting Ash by reorganizing his sock drawer daily. By color. Alphabetically."
"Shh," Opal whispered, trying not to laugh despite the knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. "We're close."
"We better be, because the trees are whispering. And I swear I saw a squirrel with glowing eyes. I'm not okay with that. I didn't emotionally prepare for cursed squirrels today."
"Focus," she hissed, pushing a branch aside. "Remember: no chaos unless I say so."