Chapter 187

• Chiara and I shifted effortlessly, slipping into the dense woods behind Carlo’s house. My wolf, Blue, was restless, itching to run, her energy mirroring the
• anxiety clawing at my mind. I wasn’t made for fighting—my strengths lay elsewhere—but I could help with evacuations. I just needed to know my mom was safe. That was all that mattered.
• Our paws pounded against the dry earth, snapping twigs and rustling leaves beneath us. My lungs burned with every breath, but I pushed forward, ignoring the ache in my legs. No matter how tired I was, I wouldn’t stop. Branches whipped at my fur, but their sting was like velvet against my thick coat—nothing I couldn’t endure.