Chapter 0314

Victor's low curse reaches my ears. "What does Aurora recall about being a Guardian?"

'Aurora?'

'Only that I'm a Guardian, which means I'm powerful.'

"She knows we're Guardians and that we're strong."

"But she doesn't remember how to tap into that strength? Nothing about her past?"

"Nothing at all."

"Listen, Isolde." His voice turns urgent. "Getting you out without a fight might be impossible. If it comes to it, you run. Fight if you must. Even if it means leaving Victor behind. We can retrieve him later—but you're their target. If you won't accept his mark, then run. Head east. Follow Victor's lead—he's skilled at evasion—but when the moment comes, don't hesitate. Aurora's memories might resurface if she's forced to fight."

"Understood." My reply is automatic. Leaving Victor isn't an option. Aurora has made it clear—we're bound to him as his Guardian. I pass the phone back to Victor.

His gaze burns into me. "Yeah, we'll signal when we're safe. If you don't hear from us in forty-eight hours, send a search party." He ends the call with Alpha Sebastian.

"You need to run if he says so. Even if it means abandoning me."

"I can't. Aurora won't allow it. We're bound to you as your Guardian."

Victor exhales sharply. "I have a plan, but no guarantees. When we arrive, we move fast. They'll have to park, giving us seconds to exit the bus and run. With luck, the station's scent chaos will mask our trail. Without it, they'll track us and call backup. Pray Aurora's fast enough."

As the bus station looms into view, Victor nudges us toward seats near the door. The second the vehicle halts, we're on our feet. The doors hiss open—Victor leaps out, yanking me behind him. His head swivels, assessing, then we're sprinting past buses and weaving through the station's chaos.

We reach the building's rear. One final scan—then we bolt for the treeline. The open ground offers no cover. Our only chance is speed.

Paws hit earth the moment we breach the trees. Fur replaces skin as we run. An hour in, a howl pierces the air. They're hunting.

Every stream, every pond—we wade through, scrambling over slick rocks to break our scent trail. Alligators lurk beneath murky surfaces, forcing us to limit our aquatic detours.

At last, we pause. Lungs heaving, we devour protein bars from Victor's pack. He unfolds a map, squinting at terrain markers. "North remains our priority, but we can angle east soon."

His eyes find mine. "How's Aurora holding up?"

"She's fine. We can keep going."

Victor nods. "We run till dusk. Find shelter if possible—otherwise, we push through the night. No caves here. Trees will have to suffice."

Muscles scream as daylight fades. A weathered sign announces our proximity to the Colorado border. Beyond a drowsy town, rolling foothills rise. Victor—no, Magnus—scouts ahead, nose twitching. He signals safety.

I collapse the instant he gives the all-clear.

The ground is cold. The night is alive with danger. And we are far from safe.