BAMBI'S POV
I never realized how quiet a forest could feel until the moment before something goes terribly wrong.
Dawn is a few steps behind me on the trail, humming low under his breath, his fingers brushing the back of my hand now and then. We were returning home. Every time he does, a tiny spark jumps through me, warm, grounding, familiar. The world smells like pine and damp earth, like we're walking through untouched territory even though we've passed this route before.
I should feel safe.
I do feel safe.
Or at least I did.
A cold breeze cuts through the trees, sharp enough to sting the skin on my arms. I pause without meaning to, my wolf lifting her head inside me, ears perked.
"Dawn?" I whisper.
He stops instantly. "What is it?"
"I… I don't know." My voice wavers. "Something feels off."
His footsteps are silent as he moves in front of me, hand gently gripping my wrist. "Stay close."
