Chapter 0306

I never planned to share my past with Isolde this soon. Yet somehow, my confession broke down her walls. Perhaps our mirrored tragedies will make her see I'm not the monster she thinks. If not as her destined mate, then maybe as an ally.

When she invites me to run with her, my pulse quickens. I would've followed regardless - her safety is my priority, especially near rival territories. Last night's route skated too close to their borders. One glimpse of those golden eyes would reveal her secret. Only Guardians bear that mark.

Magnus is practically giddy chasing Aurora. She's fully embraced their bond, playfully nipping at his heels whenever we catch their scent. I don't realize how far we've strayed until three wolves materialize at the boundary line. Waiting. They've likely tracked her pattern, anticipating this confrontation about her repeated trespasses.

When Aurora pivots and two more wolves spring from the brush, I know claws will fly. I don't hesitate as Magnus vaults over her, locking jaws with the wolves blocking her retreat. Three more join the fray. I pray Aurora will flee beyond their reach. They've seen her eyes now.

Two wolves attack me simultaneously. I brace for the inevitable flank bite that never comes. Instead of running, Aurora engages three opponents at once. While my attackers fight to kill, hers hold back. This terrifies me more - they recognize what she is and have called reinforcements. An untrained Guardian facing five wolves? We need to leave. Now.

I wanted to avoid fatalities, but survival trumps mercy. My hind leg crushes one wolf's throat while my fangs shatter another's foreleg. I hear the snap of bone as Aurora clamps down on a third wolf's flank. His agonized howl will summon the entire pack.

Magnus breaks ribs with a well-placed kick. The last wolf lunges for Aurora's scruff, but she whirls last second. Her jaws close on his throat. The gurgling death rattle echoes as his body collapses.

I nip at Aurora's heels, urging retreat. She understands, bolting toward her apartment. We run flat-out for fifteen minutes before answering howls pierce the night.

At our clothes, we shift and dress in frantic silence.

"We're leaving. Tonight."

"I can't just disappear! Where would I go?"

"Blackthorn and Nightshade territories. Adrian and Sebastian will protect you. But we must go now. They'll hunt you for killing their packmate, Guardian or not."

"I don't have a car. What about Theodore?"

"Call him. Do you need anything from your apartment?"

"Everything left from my mother is there." My jaw tightens.

"Get your things. I'll secure bus tickets. Don't step outside until I return."

The urgency in my voice makes her freeze. She nods once before vanishing into the building. I watch until her silhouette disappears behind the door, praying we haven't run out of time.