Serena reached another stream as the forest thinned and dipped. The water moved fast and dark, edged with ice where the current slowed.
She stepped into it without pause and the cold was immediate and absolute. It stole the breath from her lungs and bit deep into her legs, sharper than the pain in her side.
She crossed without sound, her boots slipping against slick stone as she forced herself to the opposite bank.
She did not look back.
Behind her, Dexmon shifted. Black fur tore free as he took the form of his wolf, powerful and silent. He gathered himself and cleared the stream in a single, effortless leap, landing without breaking stride.
Serena kept moving.
Her pace slowed despite her intent as the cold caught up to her all at once. She took three more steps before a cough tore from her chest. Blood followed, hot and metallic against her tongue.
She swallowed hard and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, smearing red across her knuckles before dragging it against her sleeve.
That was enough.
Dexmon shifted back before he reached her, boots striking the ground as he closed the distance.
The pressure of him closed in behind her, heavy and undeniable.
"Stop," he said, his voice low.
Serena faltered, more from the sound of him than the command itself. She turned her head just enough to register him beside her, tall and solid and no longer hiding.
She tried to take another step.
Her knees buckled.
Dexmon caught her before she hit the ground.
Her lungs burned, and she wanted to protest. But she knew he was right. She wasn't going to make it much longer. She swallowed weighing the best course of action.
Dexmon spoke, almost as if he were reading her thoughts.
"That scent you are following," he said. "Are you looking for someone?"
She looked at him, uncertain whether trusting him would be a mistake.
"I saved your life," Dexmon continued evenly. "If I wanted you dead, you would already be."
"I saved yours," Serena said. "So we are even."
She steadied herself out of his hold and tried to straighten.
"I am going to assume that scent belongs to someone you care about," Dexmon said, letting go of her cautiously. "And that you are trying to reach them."
She held his gaze for a moment, then drew a steadying breath. "Yes. She is like a sister to me. I told her to run when we were attacked."
"I will get her," Dexmon said.
Serena opened her mouth to respond, but the words never came.
A sharp cough tore from her chest instead, harsher than the last.
The ground tilted beneath her feet, the forest narrowing into a dark, wavering tunnel.
She managed one breath before her knees finally gave out.
Dexmon caught her easily, this time scooping her up into his arms fully. Her head rested in the crook of his neck, her body completely slack.
Dexmon: Hyran. Alaric. I need a portal opened now.
The reply came immediately, tight with urgency.
Hyran:Location?
Dexmon glanced once at the surrounding trees, already committing the terrain to memory.
Dexmon:Northern forest, west of the river bend. She has collapsed. Blood loss and hypothermia.
Alaric's voice cut in without delay.
Alaric:We are on our way. Do not move her unnecessarily.
Dexmon adjusted his hold just enough to keep Serena steady, his jaw locking hard enough to ache.
A portal tore open moments later, light spilling across the forest floor.
Hyran stepped through first, followed closely by Alaric, who moved straight to Serena without ceremony.
"She's either stupid or stubborn," he muttered, hands glowing gold while he assessed her.
"She was separated from her friend," Dexmon said. "I'm going after her. Be ready."
"Copy." Hyran said.
He carefully transferred Serena into Alaric's care, making sure she was supported before he released her completely.
"Take her back," Dexmon said. "Stabilize her. Put two guards by her door. She does not leave without one of you to escort her."
Dexmon stepped back as they lifted Serena and carried her through the portal. It sealed behind them, leaving the forest abruptly quiet again.
He stood still for one brief moment.
Then he shifted.
Black fur surged as his wolf took over, powerful and focused. Without a backward glance, Dexmon turned and vanished into the trees, following the fading trail Serena had nearly bled herself out to find.
He had given his word.
And he intended to keep it.