The rogues were only seconds away from picking up Micah's scent, and one of them lowered his head closer to the ground, inhaling deeply as his steps slowed with growing suspicion.
Micah pressed his back harder against the tree, forcing his breathing to steady even though his heart was pounding so loudly that it felt like it might give him away. Every muscle in his body was tight, ready to run, and ready to die if it came to that.
Then, without warning, the rogues froze. Their eyes turned distant, empty, as if a silent command had reached them through the forest.
One by one, they lifted their heads and turned in the same direction, they let out a blood-chilling howl, and they began moving toward the western part of the forest, their footsteps fading as they disappeared into the darkness.
Micah remained where he was for several long seconds, unable to move, and unable to believe what had just happened. He was just seconds away from death.
