What the hell just happened?
Yet, I know.
Iknowwhat just happened.
Rip tried to kill me through Tobias.
I press my palm to my chest, needing him more than ever. “Tobias…”
I tug at our connection. No answer. No returning tug. No quiver.
Just that eerie stillness again.
My wolf whines deep inside me, as if mourning. The bond that always felt like sunlight—like home—is now a hollow ache.
My sister finally stirs on the floor next to me, blood oozing from a small gash in her head. She forces herself up, groggy and short of breath.
“What…” The moment she sees me, her eyes widen. She scrambles over to me on her knees. “Rowen!”
She pulls my hand away and gasps.
“Follow… him,” I rasp.
Ivy shakes her head, but I grip her shoulder. Her fingers dig into my thighs just as hard.
Please,I mouth, biting back a sob. Shehasto know this isn’t him. And if he leaves, we might never get him back.
Please,I mouth again.Go.
Ivy stands and kisses me on the head, then shuffles out of the room.
I walk to the window on shaky legs, gripping the ledge. Below me, wolves gather from all sides, sensing danger but unsure of where it’s coming from. The moonlight catches on the edge of the forest, and somehow I know, he’s already long gone.
Tobias is gone.
I drag in a breath and close my eyes.
You’re still in there, I tell him silently.You have to be. I feel you. Reach for me, Toby. Please. Fight back. Rip can’t break this unless you let him.
The tether stays still.
But for the briefest second, I swear I feel a breath against my skin—a ghost of warmth, a whisper that almost sounds like my name. Then it’s gone.
Reach for me.
38
TOBIAS
Irun.
Down the stairs, and past a very confused Neal near the kitchen. Across the living room, out the side door, and across the landing. I don’t know where I’m going—only that I have to move. I have to go.
I have to get out of here.
Taren barrels after me as I leap down the steps, her tail brushing against my sleeve. She barks after me, but I twist away, hitting the ground hard. My lungs burn and heart pounds like it’s never pounded before. The cold earth is painful against my bare toes, but I don’t stop.
I can’t.
