•West Thunoa Forest•
Ace's POV
The forest air rushed past my face, sharp with the scent of pine resin and wet bark. My paws pounded against the soft earth, each stride sending vibrations up my legs. Philip's weight shifted uneasily on my back as we navigated through the dense undergrowth, his fingers tightening in my fur whenever we took a sharp turn. Ray ran parallel to me, his silver-orange fur glinting whenever moonlight broke through the canopy.
My ears swiveled constantly, filtering through the night sounds - rustling leaves, distant owl calls, the steady rhythm of our breathing. Then it hit me like a physical blow, a realization I should have made hours ago.
"Philip," I growled, the words rumbling up from my chest. My pace didn't falter, but my muscles tensed beneath his grip. "That woman Khaleed spoke to - black hair with green highlights. That's impossible for a werewolf."
