Chapter 48. The Ashen Path

The mist closed around them as they entered the Ashen Path, swallowing sound and distance until the world felt reduced to breath, ash, and motion.

Selene led the way, the newly forged bond with the Bone Forest pulsing beneath her skin like a second heartbeat. It was not comforting. It felt watchful, alert, as though the forest itself were tracking every step she took, measuring intent and resolve. Moving forward felt like walking deeper into a vast, waiting mouth—one that could close without warning.

The wolves followed in tense silence. Their eyes were sharp despite exhaustion, ears flicking constantly as they scanned the shifting shadows. The forest around them transformed with every stride. Bark blackened as though scorched long ago, leaves paling to the brittle gray of old paper. The ground softened beneath their feet, ash-gray and fine, muting their steps wh