I did not look back. The spell had given me just enough of a window to break free from Logan’s grip, and I sprinted through the forest, the sound of my footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of leaves beneath me.
My breath came in sharp gasps as I darted between trees, branches snagging at my jacket. The forest was dark, only slivers of moonlight guiding my path, but I pushed forward, my heart pounding in my chest.
I could hear him calling after me, his voice echoing through the woods. “Audrey! Come back!”
Fear gnawed at me, urging me to keep running. I didn’t dare slow down, didn’t dare let my guard down. I had seen the darkness in Logan’s eyes-the fury and something deeper, something I couldn’t quite recognize.
Behind me, Logan’s voice grew louder, edged with desperation and frustration. I pushed forward, but my heart stuttered when I heard the familiar, unmistakable sound-a low growl, deep and feral. I didn’t need to look back to know that Logan had shifted. He was a werewolf now, faster, stronger, relentless.
I forced myself to keep going, weaving through the trees as fast as my legs would carry me. But it was no use; his growls were growing closer, his heavy paws pounding against the forest floor, echoing my own frantic heartbeat.
I stumbled, my hand scraping against the rough bark of a tree as I caught myself. The seconds lost were all he needed. In a flash, Logan was in front of me, blocking my path, his form towering and wild, his eyes gleaming with a mix of fury and something hauntingly familiar-concern?
I took a shaky step back, my gaze locked with his. His snarls softened, and for a moment, he just watched me, his intense gaze flickering between anger and a raw, unspoken emotion. It was as if he was battling himself, trying to hold onto control, to keep the beast at bay.
“Logan…” I whispered, barely able to catch my breath, hoping there was still a piece of him in there that would hear me.
Logan’s growl deepened, low and menacing, vibrating through the air between us. His eyes were locked on mine, wild and untamed, like he was hunting, and I was his prey.
He took a slow step forward, his massive form blocking any chance of escape. His gaze traveled over me, fierce and hungry, as if I was something he could sink his teeth into, a prize he’d been chasing. His nostrils flared as he took in my scent, and his growl grew sharper, more dangerous.
“Logan,” I breathed, my voice shaking. But he didn’t stop; his eyes stayed fixed on me, dark and intense, like he was barely holding himself back.
He bared his teeth, a low snarl slipping out. I took a small step backward, but he matched it, closing the distance between us.
I needed to think fast. Panic surged through me, but I tried to focus. If I could create a portal, I could escape.
I took a deep breath, feeling the energy around me. “Please, let this work,” I whispered to myself. I spread my hands out, imagining the portal forming in front of me.
The air shimmered, and I could see a faint outline of a portal beginning to form. “Just a little more,” I urged.
Logan growled again, stepping closer. I could see the struggle in his eyes, but I didn’t have time to worry. The portal flickered, and I pushed more energy into it.
“Come on!” I shouted, feeling desperation clawing at me. I couldn’t let him reach me. I focused on a place far away, somewhere safe, and the portal glowed brighter.
Logan lunged forward, but I quickly stepped into the light. I felt a rush of wind and energy as I was pulled through. I shut my eyes tight, praying that I would make it out safely.
When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a clearing, far from the dark forest. I looked back, but the portal had closed behind me. I was safe-at least for now.
I took a moment to catch my breath, the adrenaline still racing through my veins. The clearing was bright, filled with soft moonlight, and the air felt lighter here. I looked around, trying to get my bearings. Trees surrounded me, but they were different from the dense forest I had just escaped.
“Where am I?” I whispered to myself.
I scanned the clearing, taking in my surroundings. The trees here were taller, their branches stretching toward the sky, and the air smelled fresh, almost sweet. In the distance, I noticed something out of place-a structure nestled among the trees.
I squinted, trying to make out the details. It was an old cabin, its wooden walls weathered and covered in vines. The roof sagged slightly, and some of the windows were cracked, but it stood sturdy, like it had withstood the test of time.
Curiosity pulled me toward it. I took a cautious step forward, my heart still racing from my escape. As I approached, I could see that the door hung slightly ajar, creaking softly in the gentle breeze.
“Hello?” I called out, my voice echoing in the stillness. No answer. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should enter. But the cabin looked like it had been abandoned for years, and I was desperate for shelter.
I pushed the door open, and it creaked loudly, sending a shiver down my spine. Inside, the air was musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and forgotten memories. Dust motes danced in the slivers of moonlight that streamed through the windows.
The cabin was sparsely furnished. A small table sat in the center, surrounded by a few mismatched chairs. A fireplace stood against one wall, its ashes long cold. I glanced around, looking for anything that might help me.
I stepped further into the cabin, my heart still racing from the adrenaline of my escape. The dim light cast eerie shadows on the walls, and I scanned the room for anything that could provide comfort or security. I noticed a small bookshelf lined with dusty tomes and an old map tacked to the wall, but the sense of unease lingered in the air.
As I moved cautiously, the floorboards creaked beneath my feet, the sound echoing in the silence. I reached the window and peered outside, half-expecting to see Logan’s furious form charging through the trees. But the night was still, only the faint rustle of leaves filling the void.
Suddenly, I heard a sharp click behind me. My breath caught in my throat as I froze, feeling the cold metal press against my skull.
“Who are you?” a deep, menacing voice growled from the shadows.