Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 416: Lucas: DiscoveryLUCAS

Something isn't right.

Maybe it's the smooth run through the night. Maybe it's the peace in the air. I'm so used to something coming around every corner these days; for plans to move without a single hiccup, it's no wonder my paranoia is on the rise.

The flat landscape stretches before us, an endless expanse of winter-kissed grass and scattered snow patches. My paws eat up the distance with practiced ease, though my mind wanders to the watch secured in the pack strapped to my back. One quick shift and I could check on Ava.

No. I promised myself I wouldn't hover.

Aurum rumbles in agreement, but a whine escapes him anyway. The scent of honey and vanilla has long faded, but lingers in our mind.

Soon, I promise him. We'll be back before you know it.

My wolf's restlessness mirrors my own. The territory ahead shouldn't be so bare, and I should be able to sense something with my pack link. Yet we've encountered nothing but empty plains and unsettling silence.

There's not a single sign of Ryder's passing.

Vester appears by my side, keeping our steady pace easily. We should have crossed paths with at least three different patrols by now.

His thoughts echo my own. We're close enough to Jericho's safe haven that I should sense him, should be able to reach out through our bond. But there's nothing beyond our small group.

We knew this was a possibility. We'll know more when we get closer. Any word from Vanessa?

His mate's reach is farther than mine. I'm not certain of its exact limitations, but I know she's messaged him at long distances in the past.

Nothing since well before dawn.

The sun beats down from its highest point, marking noon's arrival. We're maybe two hours out from our destination, but each step feels wrong.

Aurum's hackles rise as we cross a familiar marker—an old oak split by lightning. I haven't seen it myself, but its impression lies deep in my memory, given by my scouts.

There are no birds. No small game. Just the whisper of wind over crusted snow.

Something isn't right.

But I scent nothing. Not

No trace

have been through here in recent days.

this clean of life's traces. It's

your

Understood, Alpha.

Ava. It's hard to shake this sense of dread, and the urge to shift and check in through the

so much, in a short time. The flight risk that was my mate has become a capable Luna, despite the responsibilities

is strong.

We're close. There should be sentries. Signs of

Instead, there's more silence.

coil with tension

the plains, carrying with it a scent that stops us dead in our tracks.

pure like Ava's. Something darker, like I'd imagine corruption to smell—not that the taint in

underneath it all, the unmistakable

confirms. Miles from where Jericho's camp

No one needs to voice what we're all thinking—this

right flank. This is

bare at

his tail down. We should

as Alpha, I can't ignore a threat this close to my people. But time works against us—every minute we spend tracking this magic is another minute

we check the source. It's the logical choice, even as my instincts rail

rest of you continue to the camp. Stay alert and wait for our signal

then peel away, heading north toward the camp. I watch until they disappear over a

putrid magic. This time, there's something

Something strange and familiar.

* * *

our way up the last rolling hill. My wolves fan out behind me, their movements precise and controlled despite the uneven terrain. That scent