Blood.
It dripped in slow, deliberate drops onto the frozen ground, steam curling in the cold night air.
I couldn't tell if it was his blood or mine.
"Stand still," a low voice commanded.
I did.
Not because I was afraid but because the man in front of me looked like the kind of creature you didn't run from.
Moonlight cut across his face, revealing sharp, sculpted features... and eyes that burned red, like embers in the dark.
"You're late," he murmured, scanning the tree line as if danger waited behind every shadow.
I don't even know you." I said, my voice steadier than my heartbeat.
His lips curved not a smile, but something far more dangerous.
"You will. Because from tonight... I am bound to you."
Bound?
Before I could speak, he stepped closer.
The scent of metal and midnight clung to him. His hand brushed my wrist, and pain flared a thin silver blade had sliced my skin.
He caught my blood in his palm and pressed it to his own mouth.
A shiver ran through me.
From the darkness beyond, wolves howled not the friendly kind.
Listen carefully." he said, his voice a quiet growl. "The Moon Oath ceremony starts now. After this. I will obey your every command. protect you from anyone who dares to touch you..."
He leaned in, his breath cold against my ear. "...even if it kills me."
I wanted to step back. I didn't.
Because something in those red eyes told me he meant every word.
Then the howls grew closer too close.
His head snapped toward the sound.
"Run."
"That's an order?" I asked, still frozen in place.
His jaw tightened. "No. That's me begging."
The shadows broke apart. Silver eyes flashed between the trees.
I ran ....