Chapter34:

_Leah's POV_ My mind drifted to Tariq and Susan. What had happened to them? I had counted on their help, but they hadn’t come for me. A memory flashed before my eyes—Tariq, back in the temple, licking my blood off the moonstone crystal. Did that really happen? Or was it just my mind playing tricks? I couldn’t be sure anymore. The stress of everything could have caused me to imagine things. But the image lingered, vivid and disturbing. Why had Tariq acted so strangely that night? The absence of my wolf made me feel more isolated than ever. Normally, my wolf would have given me the clarity I needed. Without her, doubt gnawed at me. Had Tariq and his mother abandoned me after all? But no—I quickly dismissed that thought. Kayden’s pack territory was heavily guarded. It would have been nearly impossible for Tariq to break in without being caught. Maybe they hadn’t come for me because it was too dangerous. Maybe they had no choice. And besides, if it hadn’t been for them, I never would have