Chapter 10. Between Two Wolves

They drove through the remainder of the night, past the jagged peaks and high valleys, until the car slowed, finally pulling to a stop near a maze of dark canvas. Kaelen cut the engine. The sound died, and the sudden silence felt enormous.

“We’re here,” he murmured.

Mira stirred, blinking into the dimness, rubbing sleep from her eyes with the heel of her hand. Then she saw it—the camp. Her mouth parted slightly. “You weren’t kidding.”

Kaelen grinned, stepping out into the night. “Told you. Nomadic life has its charms.” He circled around and opened her door, offering his hand. She hesitated—then placed her fingers in his. The warmth of his grip steadied her as she stepped onto unfamiliar ground.

The place buzzed with quiet life. Wolves moved like shadows, their movements silent, efficient, half-shadow already. None stepped close, but all of them watched. She stared around again, trying to place herself in this new world.

“So… I’m supposed to live in a te