Kash:
Even her father's eyes widened. James stood frozen, clearly stunned.
She looked at me first, then her gaze snapped to Walkin. Her body lowered, shoulders tightening as she prepared to spring.
I moved quickly, stepping between them and raising my hand.
"No, Iris," I said firmly.
She froze. The others tensed up, but she stopped at my voice.
Everyone watched as she stepped closer and lowered her head to sniff my hand. A strange calm settled over me when she did. Her ears twitched, and her breathing slowed. I saw recognition settle into her eyes. There was no fear or rage, only familiarity. She knew me.
She stepped back, glancing toward her father and James. Maybe she sensed their kind in her blood too, because she did not attack them. Instead, she turned and bolted deeper into the woods.
"I'll go with her," her father said, bending slightly, ready to shift.
"No," I said, raising my hand. "I'll go."
