The sun was just beginning to bleed over the horizon, painting the Iron-Wood forest in hues of purple and violent orange.
It was the time of morning when the forest usually held its breath, waiting for the predators to sleep and the prey to wake.
Kaelen did not sleep.
He stood on the porch of the main cabin, his arms crossed over his chest, his knuckles white. His eyes were fixed on the path leading to the Clearing of the Stars.
He had been standing there for hours.
He had heard the faint echoes of the Dragon's roar hours ago. He had heard, or perhaps his jealous mind had conjured it, the sound of Roxy screaming.
Every minute that ticked by was a fresh cut on his pride. He knew what was happening. He had agreed to it. He had even pushed for it, in a way, to secure peace.
But knowing his mate was being ravaged by another male gnawed at his gut like a parasite. Then, he smelled them.
The scent hit him before they emerged from the trees. It was thick, heavy, and undeniable.
