Chapter19:

_Leah's POV_ Tariq and I rushed back through the woods, our feet barely touching the ground as we moved swiftly. The trees blurred around us, and the only sound was the pounding of our footsteps against the earth. Tariq led the way, his familiarity with the forest evident as he guided us through a shortcut. The urgency in his voice earlier still echoed in my mind. "We have to move quickly," Tariq had said. "Kayden's guards might still be out here looking for you, and if they catch us, it will be a big problem." I didn’t need to be told twice. The thought of being captured made my blood run cold. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, but it was calmer now, though the fear still lingered. I pushed myself to keep up with Tariq. My body ached from the earlier transformation, but I was determined to stay strong. Within minutes, the familiar sight of the cottage came into view. Relief washed over me as we approached the door. Susan was already outside, her worried expression softening the mo