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Chapter One

Annika

The warm glow of string lights crisscrossed the town square, casting a cozy vibe over the cobblestones. Kids were running around with sticky hands and glowing bracelets, while the smell of fresh-baked bread and grilled skewers hung in the air. It was exactly the kind of peaceful night we’d fought so hard to make possible.

Lucas stood next to me, one arm around my shoulders. His very presence grounded me, filled me with both hope and serenity. His touch was warm, steady, and yet, I could feel the tension radiating off him, as if something wasn’t quite right.

“You’re wound up,” I teased, nudging him lightly. “This is a celebration, grumpy, remember? Try smiling.”

“I am smiling,” he said, the corner of his mouth tugging up in what barely counted as an attempt. His eyes, though, amber and piercing, kept scanning the square, sharp and alert. “Something’s off.”

I followed his gaze, taking in the scene. People were chatting, laughing, passing plates of food. The baker was handing out slices of cake like the hero he was. Even old Mr. Marlowe was out, tapping his cane in time with the band’s acoustic set.

“Looks normal to me,” I said, though a flicker of unease crawled up my spine. I knew better than to question his hunches.

“It’s not.” His grip on my shoulder tightened. His other hand, the one not on me, flexed like he was itching to grab something, or better yet, someone.

“Lucas,” I said softly, trying to cut through the tension. “Not everything’s a disaster waiting to happen. Relax. Eat some cake.”

He gave me a look. “Annika, I mean it.”

Before I could respond, his head snapped toward the edge of the square. The shadows near the alley stretched a little too far, darker than they should have been under the lights. Even I could see it now.

“Stay here,” he said, his voice low but firm.

“Wait—”

“Don’t argue with me,” he cut me off, his tone leaving no room for debate. Then he was gone, moving so fast through the crowd that he seemed to vanish.

I exhaled slowly, trying to brush off the icy feeling that crawled over me. The crowd was still buzzing, oblivious, but Lucas’ tension had infected me. Something wasn’t right, and now I couldn’t unsee it.

The string lights flickered for a split second, barely noticeable, but enough to set me on edge. It’s as if Nature itself conspired to reveal whatever was wrong.

“Annika!”

I spun toward the voice. It was one of the townspeople, a young mom clutching her toddler close. Her face was pale, her eyes darting like she was looking for an escape route.

“They… they’re here,” she whispered.

“What? Who’s here?” I asked, stepping toward her, but it was a question that needed no answer.

Before she could offer one, a low, guttural growl cut through the music, freezing everyone in place. The band stopped mid-song, their instruments hanging in the air.

The lights flickered again, and this time they didn’t come back on.

The shadows at the edge of the square moved.

No, not moved. Shifted.

They stretched and twisted, shapes forming as enormous wolves emerged, their eyes glowing amber and teeth gleaming in the dim light.

The first scream shattered the quiet, and the square erupted into chaos.

“Run!” someone shouted, but it was too late. The shifters were already tearing through the crowd, knocking over tables and sending people scrambling for safety.

I froze, my heart pounding. One of the wolves locked eyes with me, its snarl sending a ripple of fear through my body.

Lucas’ voice cut through the chaos as he appeared out of nowhere, his body slamming into the wolf before it could reach me. The two of them hit the ground in a blur of claws and fangs, Lucas’ strength overpowering the shifter as he tore it apart with brutal efficiency.