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“I guess not,” I mutter.

The silence between us is awkward. I don’t know what to say to the man who was my companion for six months in that cell, but in his wolf form.

I’ve never been shy—it’s simply not my nature—but whenever our eyes meet, I feel flustered, a ball of tension forming in the pit of my stomach. It’s easier to talk to him without those amber eyes peering into my very soul.

“Who are you, anyway? Why was Cassian so desperate to get you to shift back? I saw the way you fought. Even in your weakened state, you were the strongest wolf out there.”

Unlike me, who speaks impulsively, this man takes his sweet time in answering, as if measuring each word. “My name is Griffin.”

When he doesn’t offer any further information, I stare at him. “You realize we spent six months—over six months—in a prison cell together. You could tell me a little bit more about yourself.”

He hesitates. “I would if I could. I don’t remember much. I’m still recovering my memories.”

I bite my lip. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

He shakes his head. “I remember my captivity. Chunks of it. But everything became clearer when you came. I remember being hungry, and you gave me your food and water. I know it was difficult for you.”

I gave him a wan smile. “You’re one of the kidnap victims, aren’t you?”

He just stares at me, something he seems to do a lot.

I let out a sigh. “Never mind. I’d like to get out of this place and contact my friends. I want to see my mother.”

I’ve tried very hard not to think about my mother and how alone she must be, how confused. I knew I would break if I thought about her these past months. I had to trust that Leanna’s friends were looking after her. I had to trust that Leanna was alive and well.

I put my head in my hands, suddenly realizing that I’m free. The relief is overwhelming. I feel the wetness in my eyes, and I wipe them with my fingertips.

“Are you”—the man hesitates—“alright?”

I chuckle. “Yes. I’m happy. All this time, I thought you might end up killing me. I was so scared, but I had to pretend not to be. When I was reworking that formula, I was terrified I was going to screw it up. I’m glad I didn’t. Then I thought you would leave me behind—”

All the fears and concerns that have been building up inside of me come flowing out. I always had to put on a tough exterior when I was young, to protect my mother. I’m used to it, but sometimes the mask cracks.

“I couldn’t have left you behind.” Griffin gets up and walks over to what looks like a small kitchen in the corner of the cabin. “I told you, once you came, I was able to feel a sense of clarity.”

I hear an odd undertone in his voice, and I consider questioning it. However, there are more urgent things to deal with.

“Do you know exactly where we are? Are you certain that the Silver Ring Organization won’t be able to find us?”

With the sudden sound of running water, I realize he is putting a kettle on the stove.

“They won’t. This place is—”

There’s that hesitation again, as if he doesn’t know how much information to share with me. As if I’m not to be trusted. I feel a pang of annoyance. Is he lying about his memories, as well? Does he consider me a threat?

I open my mouth to hurl accusations, but a sliver of common sense forces me to snap it shut. We may be allies at the moment, but he could be just as untrustworthy as he deems me to be. We’ll have to stick it out till we can safely part ways.

“This is secret land, protected by a long bloodline of witches. Our captors will not be able to track us here.”

“Witches?” I jolt at his words. “Witches exist?”

I catch him glancing over his shoulder at me, a dubious expression on those fiercely attractive features. “Of course they do. The human realm is a safe haven for those who practice the arts.”

I gave him an uneasy smile. “Of course it is. My bad.”

I watch him reach into one of the cupboards and bring out a few packets of what looks like instant noodles. My brow furrows. This can’t be a hunter’s cabin. I’ve never heard of hunters keeping instant noodles in stock. Then again, I’ve never really met a hunter. Maybe instant noodles are all they eat, and hunting is just an excuse to get away from their wives.

While Griffin cooks, I study my clothes. I’m wearing a loose, white shirt that completely dwarfs me and a pair of pajama pants with an elastic so loose that I’ll have to tie something else around my waist to keep them from falling down. It’s the middle of October, or at least it should be by my calculations. No wonder it’s cold. At least there’s a fire going in the fireplace, so there’s some level of warmth inside the cabin.