Chapter 0220

Evander nuzzles his muzzle against my shoulder. "Can you stand?" Evelyn asks softly. "Gregory and Evander are worried about you."

Valeria takes her time rising. When she finally stands, she shakes out her silver-tipped fur and wags her tail at Evander, letting out an excited yip.

'How are you feeling, Valeria?'

'Like I could run forever!' She bursts forward without warning. I have no idea where she's headed, but she doesn't care—she just needs to move. A joyful howl echoes behind her as she bolts westward. The moment she changes direction, I understand. She wants Sebastian and Dorian to see her.

'Were you always this fast?' I'm mesmerized by my wolf's grace and power.

'Wait until I'm at full strength.'

We tear through Black Canyon, heading straight for the cliffs behind the cascading falls. She scales the rocky face with impossible agility, leaping between narrow ledges like they're stepping stones.

Near the summit, the first patrol spots us. Valeria doesn't slow—she pushes harder. Her triumphant howl rings through the mountains, announcing our arrival. I pray they recognize her. The last thing we need is to battle Sebastian's warriors.

She blazes past another patrol, weaving through the dense pines behind the packhouse. Then we catch his scent. Valeria's pace becomes frantic. As we burst into the clearing, he's already there—waiting.

The moment Sebastian sees us, his face lights up. He spreads his arms wide. Valeria doesn't hesitate. She launches herself at him, knocking them both onto the soft grass. She's trembling with excitement, wriggling in his embrace like an overgrown puppy.

Sebastian laughs as she covers his face in sloppy licks, yipping and dancing around him.

"Easy there, gorgeous." He sits up, brushing dirt from his shirt. Valeria rubs against him before prancing in circles, too exhilarated to stay still.

"Look at you." His voice holds awe. "So much bigger than I expected. Almost Dorian's size, though Seraphina's so petite."

Valeria purrs, scent-marking Sebastian as he stands. She suddenly crouches playfully, front paws down, hindquarters raised, tail wagging furiously.

Sebastian freezes. His eyes darken as Dorian's voice blends with his. "Feeling feisty, little wolf?"

Valeria barks, darting forward to nip at his boots before retreating. She glances back over her shoulder—challenge gleaming in her golden eyes.

"Run." The command is pure Dorian.

Valeria explodes into motion. Seconds later, thunderous paws shake the ground. She glances back to see Dorian in full pursuit. Her delighted howl splits the air. His answering cry is primal—the hunt is on.

For what feels like hours, Dorian chases us across pack territory, his teeth snapping playfully at Valeria's heels whenever he gets close. She leads him on a merry chase, never making it easy.

We're sprinting back through the canyon when that scent hits us—cloying, unnatural, unforgettable. Valeria skids to a halt, claws digging into earth. Her nose lifts, testing the air.

Vampire.

Just as Dorian reaches us, Valeria unleashes the warning howl. Danger.

We're stranded between Blackthorn and Nightshade territories. Alone until reinforcements arrive. And from the thickening stench, we're outnumbered.