The terror that had gripped me so tightly finally begins to loosen its hold, washed away by the exhilarating rush of my feet pounding against the ground, the world flying past in my periphery.

It''s a simple rhythm.

One foot in front of the other.

Vault over an obstacle. Veer to avoid a tree.

The wind against my skin is harsh, like a thousand icy whips snapping against my cheeks. But the pain is almost euphoric.

My feet pound against the forest floor, each step fueling the fire of freedom burning within me.

It''s a feeling unlike anything I''ve ever experienced—raw power, an almost frenetic energy, thrumming through my body with an intensity that steals my breath away. The trees zoom past in blurs of shadow.

I can hear the wolves keeping pace beside me, their breaths ragged growls that harmonize with the frantic beat of my heart. My unnatural speed helps me keep pace. I''m not faster than they are, but I''m far faster than their human forms.

They probably have questions.

I don''t know how to answer them.

But, that''s for another time. Right now, we need this.

There''s no fear now, no uncertainty. Only an overwhelming sense of freedom so pure and intoxicating that I want to lose myself in it forever. I am unleashed, unchained—a force of nature given form.

My lungs burn with the effort, but I don''t slow. Can''t slow. This is what it means to be truly alive, to embrace what dwells within me. To hell with being human; right now, I am so much more.

The trees begin to thin, and through the gaps I can see the faint glow of distant lights. Civilization. Safety. My throat tightens with a sudden surge of emotion—hope, relief, gratitude. I''m going to make it. After everything, I''m finally going to escape this nightmare.

A piercing howl shatters the night, closer than before. My heart stutters, but I don''t falter.

I have wolves beside me. Wolves willing to risk their lives by entering enemy territory to find me.

He stalks toward me with a menacing silence that''s somehow more terrifying than any snarl or growl. The air around him is filled with the energy of barely restrained violence, a promise of brutality in past and present.

There''s a predatory gleam in his wolf-yellow eyes that seems to strip away every last shred of my humanity, reducing me to nothing more than a trembling rabbit for dinner.

Terror dries my mouth as he prowls ever closer. If he were human, I could envision the arrogant smirk that would be curving his lips right now, the wild look in his eyes that mirrors that of his wolf so accurately.

The rough bark of a tree collides with my back, halting my retreat. I''m trapped. Lucas is fighting off a number of wolves. I can''t call out to him.

The sounds of the battle raging around us fade into a distant murmur, the world narrowing to this single, horrifying moment.

Todd pauses, his muzzle wrinkling as he scents the air. My fear has probably soaked this area in its scent, something he''s always delighted in. A low rumble builds in his chest, a sound that reverberates through my bones and sets my nerves on edge with frittering panic.

I want to scream, to cry out for Lucas or Vester or anyone who can save me from this nightmare, but the terror has robbed me of my voice.

I''m mute.

Helpless.

His muscles bunch, his haunches tensed as he prepares to pounce, and I finally regain some of my senses.

I''m not helpless.

I''m not powerless.

I can defend myself.

I''ve trained for this.

I am not a victim of this circumstance.

I slide my hand into my pocket, willing my fingers to stop shaking as I grab the pocket knife I''d placed into it hours before.