Chapter 60

Elena’s POV The moment we stepped out, reality hit me. Mountains rose around us like walls. Forests stretched endlessly in every direction. No roads. No signs of life. Just wilderness. “Why is there even a cabin out here?” I asked. He shrugged. “I come here when I need to think. Sometimes I stay a while.” So all that running and hoping, and I was still trapped inside his land. My chest tightened. Without warning, he shifted. Bones cracked. Fur burst across his skin. In seconds, the man was gone and a massive wolf stood in his place. His voice brushed my mind. Get on. “I’m not your saddle,” I muttered. A low growl answered me. Watch your mouth. I clenched my jaw but climbed onto his back. His fur was thick and warm, solid beneath my hands. I held onto his neck, closer than I meant to. He stood slowly, steadying himself—then took off. The forest exploded around us. The wind tore at my hair. Trees flashed past. I pressed my face into his fur, heart racing, half terrified, half thrilled. R