TYLER'S POV
The engines were close — too close.
The wolves shifted halfway, forming a loose protective circle. Emily stood behind me, breathing hard, her power flickering under her skin like living lightning.
We didn't have time.
"Tyler," Grandma said quietly, "you must choose now."
I already had.
I point to two of the wolves — the mated female pair who were the fastest and most silent trackers.
"You two. Take Emily through the back door. Go to the hotel where me and Mason used when we first arrived in the village."
Emily's head snaps up. "No. I'm not leaving you."
I turn to her — gently, but firm. "Emily, you can't fight yet. Your power isn't stable. If they grab you, it's over. For all of us."
Her jaw tightens. "I won't hide while you all risk your lives."
I step closer, lowering my voice. "You won't be hiding. You'll be surviving. And I swear—"
Her breath shakes.
"—we'll meet you before sunrise tomorrow."
The promise feels heavy, sacred, binding.
She looks into my eyes, searching for doubt.
There is none.
"Emily," Grandma says softly, "you are First-Blood. You are not running… you are being protected."
The wolves move to flank her.
Emily looks between us — me, Mason, Grandma, the two wolves staying to fight — then exhale shakily.
"Fine," she whispers. "But you come back to me."
My chest tightens. "I will."
Then the two wolves guide her out through the back door, swift and silent, disappearing into the night before the hunters breach the property line.
And then—
They arrive.
Dark coats. Gold eyes. Loaded crossbows.
The elite hunters.
Mason cracks his neck. "I hate these guys."
Grandma steps forward, her palms glowing faintly — weaker than before, but ready.
"Protect the house," she instructs.
Wolves shift fully, snarling.
And we fight.
The hunters strike first — fast, coordinated, ruthless.
Arrows whistle through the air.
One wolf tackles a hunter to the ground.
Mason shifts mid-run, slamming one into a tree hard enough to crack bone.
I leap at the leader, claws extended, rage exploding through my veins.
But they're strong.Too strong.Prepared.
Grandma throws up a barrier just in time — an arrow meant for my heart shatters in midair.
But the spell drains her instantly.
"GRANDMA!" I roar.
"I'm fine—just fight!"
We push. Hard.
We give them hell.
We buy time.
Minute after minute after minute.
By the time the hunters retreat — bruised, bleeding, furious — the moon is sinking.
We won.
Barely.
Grandma is nearly collapsing. Mason is limping. The remaining wolves shift back, breathless.
"Hotel," I say. "Now."
We move through the forest, fast but careful. Dawn is still hours away — but Emily's voice echoes in my mind.
"You come back to me."
When we reach the hotel, the two wolves guarding her open the door instantly.
Emily jumps to her feet.
Her eyes sweep over us — counting, checking, terrified.
Her breath catches when she sees me.
"You came back."
I nod, exhausted. "Before sunrise… like I promised."
She rushes toward me and envelops me in a tight hug .
With dawn still far away, and the truth that the real danger is only beginning.