The evening air was cool, carrying the faint scent of earth and pine. Celine pressed a hand to her stomach, eyes soft but determined as she looked at Adrian.
"Adrian," she said softly but firmly, "I want to go for a walk… near the little forest outside. Just to get some fresh air."
Adrian's jaw tightened immediately. Golden eyes scanned her face, every instinct alert. "Celine… it's evening. It's not safe. You know it. Damien could be anywhere."
Celine stepped closer, resting her hands gently on his chest. "I know… but I need it. Even just a little walk. Please, Adrian. I want to feel normal, even for a moment. Just walk with me… slowly."
Adrian's senses screamed danger—twilight always brought unseen threats—but when he looked into her pleading eyes, the sharp edge of his wild instincts softened. "Alright," he said finally. "We'll go… but we stay close, and you follow my lead. No wandering."
Celine nodded, relief washing over her. "I promise."
The small forest loomed ahead, shadows long and stretching in the fading light. They walked slowly, hands intertwined, the evening air calm but carrying an uneasy stillness. The world seemed peaceful, deceptively so.
But peace didn't last.
A rustle in the underbrush made Adrian freeze. Shadow growled low, tail stiff, ears flat. Adrian's golden eyes narrowed. "Celine… stay behind me."
Before she could respond, a pack of wolves—larger than normal, eyes gleaming with unnatural intelligence—emerged from the shadows. Their leader stepped forward: Damien.
"Damien!" Adrian shouted, stepping protectively in front of Celine. "Stay back!"
The wolves lunged. Adrian's muscles coiled, instincts flaring. He fought with precision, dodging and countering. But one wolf leaped unexpectedly, striking him hard. He stumbled, a sharp pain exploding in his head, and the world went black.
Celine screamed, clutching Adrian as he fell. Shadow lunged at the wolves, snarling, but there were too many. Panic surged in her chest. She tried to lift Adrian, but the pack blocked her path.
Damien stepped from the shadows, smirk cruel and predatory. "Ah… the little mother-to-be," he said, voice icy. "I see you brought him right into my trap. Perfect."
Strong hands grabbed Celine before she could react. She struggled, but the grip was unyielding. Shadow barked furiously, but even he couldn't stop her being dragged away.
Adrian stirred slightly, dazed, golden eyes flickering open. Pain and weakness pinned him to the ground, but fury glimmered in his gaze. He would find her. He would protect her.
Celine, terrified yet defiant, pressed her hands to her stomach. I have to survive… for the baby… for Adrian…
The evening forest, which had seemed calm moments ago, now echoed with growls, cries, and the ominous footsteps of Damien's pack. Danger had arrived mercilessly, and the struggle for survival was only beginning.
Adrian, lying dazed on the forest floor, growled low, teeth gritted. "Celine… I'll find you… no matter what…"