Chapter 42. The Scent of Longing

MAGNUS

I didn’t know how it happened, but one moment, I was fading in and out of consciousness, the sharp sting of my wounds pulling me into the darkness, and the next, I was stumbling through the woods. Every step I took sent pain shooting through my body, but the agony was nothing compared to the hollow ache in my chest.

My wolf stirred within me, restless and aching as much as I was. His desire is like mine to find her, hold her and beg for her forgiveness. Astrid. Her name was a whisper in my mind.

I forced myself to stay alert, my senses on high alert for any sign of danger. The forest was silent, the usual sounds of the night muted. My eyes scanned the shadows, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs making my heart race. I was acutely aware of my vulnerability that I was alone, injured, and possibly still amid enemies.

But even in such danger, my mind kept drifting back to her. I could see her face so clearly; her eyes held hurt and a