Much as the cliché goes, I woke up not knowing where I was or how I'd gotten there.
This definitely wasn't the forest or the cliff where I'd last closed my eyes—unless the trees had somehow conjured up a modest, surprisingly cute wooden shed. Despite the simplicity of the room, it was clean, and a pleasant musky scent floated in the air.
I tried to lift my head, but a wave of nausea crashed over me, forcing me back down. A sudden chill gripped my body, leaving me shivering uncontrollably.
Somewhere beyond my haze, I caught the muffled sounds of movement. Blinking against the blur, I made out the figures of an old woman and him—the boy.
I tried to call out to him. My lips moved, but no sound came. My eyelids grew heavier.
The old woman's voice floated toward me, sharp and commanding:
"Young master, hand me more of that medicine."
Young master?
Confusion swirled in my mind just before darkness swallowed me whole again.
When I woke again, my head was resting on someone's lap.
That scent—the goddamn scent—wrapped around me, tugging at memories I wasn't ready to face.
Forcing my heavy lids open, my gaze clashed with devastatingly familiar blue eyes.
Daniel.
My Daniel.
The man I had loved for years.
Before I could summon the right words for a bittersweet reunion, a memory struck like lightning—the sight of him, as a wolf.
A jolt of terror shot through me. I jerked away, heart hammering, but strong hands caught my wrists.
"Lina—Lin, please. Stop."
The sound of his voice, rough and melodic, rolled over me, dragging my heart backward into dangerous territory.
Swallowing hard, I fought to find my voice.
"You left."
Daniel looked down at our hands, still intertwined. His warmth seeped into my skin before I even realized it. Confusion blurred my senses, but I didn't pull away.
"You're a…wolf."
The words sounded ridiculous, even to my own ears.
But he nodded. Just like that. No hesitation.
I stared at him, stunned.
"Deny it, dammit!"
The shout tore from my throat as I wrenched my hands free and pounded my fists against his chest.
He let me. For a while.
Until he caught my wrists again and forced me to meet his eyes.
"I need you to calm down now, sweetheart."
His grip was firm, unyielding.
The reminder of his unnatural strength sent cold fear rushing through me. He could crush me without effort if he chose.
My voice trembled.
"Wolves don't exist."
His eyes softened, so unbearably sad.
"They do."
"Is that why you left?"
My voice cracked, and the tears finally spilled free.
He nodded once.
"Yes."
"I don't understand."
I choked on the words as he reached out, stroking the side of my head, leaving a trail of fire where his skin brushed mine.
"You need to rest, Lina. You need to recover. Then I'll tell you everything. I promise."
The words—those exact words—echoed from my past.
A deep anger ignited inside me.
I grabbed the front of his shirt, holding him in place.
"Your promises mean nothing to me."
He flinched slightly but said nothing. Just gave a solemn nod before rising and stepping away.
The door closed with a soft click behind him, leaving me alone.
Again.