[Avira]
The night lay in unnatural silence. No insects sang, and the air felt heavy and still. Even the warriors' usual patrols made no sound, leaving the pack wrapped in an uneasy hush.
The stillness scared me to the bones. I laid on my bed, unable to sleep, unable to even close my eyes.
Each second felt like a step closer to danger. Each howl from the distance confirmed my fear.
Then the wind came, heavy and suddenly, slapping violently against the window so that it sounded like an aggressive bang.
I was up on my feet the next instant, with my heart only a few seconds from jumping out of my mouth, or sinking into my stomach.
Whoever it was, chose that moment to turn the doorknob of my door, and I almost jumped out of my skin.
"Who is–" I choked on the rest of the words when the door pulled open, and someone stepped in.
But it was only Declan so I heaved a sigh of relief. It was sharp and raspy, and I clutched my chest to ease it somewhat.
