Chapter 39

The moon hung heavy and full, casting pale light across the forest floor, but the beauty of the night was lost on Kaden as he stalked through the shadows, his every step a mix of frustration and fear. The stillness of the woods only heightened his unease. The packhouse was far behind him now, and with each passing moment, his worry grew sharper, cutting deeper. Where is she? His jaw clenched as he replayed their argument in his head, her words still ringing in his ears. "Maybe I was wrong to think you chose me." The sharpness of her voice had cut through him like a knife, but it was her eyes:angry, hurt, and so full of doubt,that had twisted the blade. He had snapped, said things he shouldn’t have, but damn it, why couldn’t she see it? Why couldn’t she see how much she meant to him? His boots crunched against the leaves, and his sharp eyes scanned the darkness. The forest was deep, sprawling, and she was out here alone. His frustration burned hotter at the thought. Althea had no busine