Page 41 of Framed and Forgotten (Ashen Wolves #3)

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CAGED AND CROWNED

(FINAL BOOK IN THE ASHEN WOLVES SERIES)

The sun had begun to fade on the horizon when I noticed a change in the air.

It was subtle, but unmistakable. We’d moved through an unchanging landscape for nearly the entire day, but now the trees seemed taller, their branches twisted into shapes that felt almost sentient.

They smelled older than that of the thousands we’d passed before.

I was so distracted by the shift in scenery that I stepped on a mossy rock and slipped. In a heartbeat, Koen’s arms were around me, keeping me from hitting the ground. His eyes met mine as he helped me stand, silently asking if I was okay.

I should’ve been the one asking him that.

Lately, I’d started to wonder if he was even still alive inside - but at least his reflexes were.

Just then, came a mindlink. “Alpha.” My Gamma’s voice echoed inside my head. “We should stop soon. Let the younger ones rest.”

I cast a glance over my shoulder. Elijah and Theo brought up the rear, making sure no one fell behind and keeping watch for enemies trying to sneak up on us. It was impossible to spot them through the sea of people behind me.

As if Koen had heard our friend, he too suggested, “We should take a break, Avril.” His eyes stayed locked on mine, his hands still clinging to my waist, steadying me. “ You need to take a break,” he urged, his voice thick with concern.

I forced a smile. “I’m fine,” I reassured him, gently removing his hands from me so I could stand on my own before replying to Elijah, “Just a little longer. I have a feeling we’re almost there.”

Up ahead, the path sharply to the right, narrowing between two towering stone slabs. A low mist curled through the gap, but beyond it, I saw light. It was faint, but past that curve, something shimmered.

The pull I’d been following pulsed stronger. A rush of energy surged through me, and my steps found new purpose. As if sensing the change, the pack picked up their pace as well.

Eventually, we reached a gap between tall rock walls, barely wide enough for two to stand shoulder to shoulder.

The earth beneath my boots softened. Instead of a hard-packed trail anymore, it was now fertile, untouched soil.

With every step, the pull grew stronger, beating like a second heart in my chest.

Then the ridge opened. The mist thinned, and the world changed. A gasp echoed behind me - dozens of them, in fact - but I barely heard them. My own breath had left me.

Before us, nestled in the bowl of the mountains like a secret cradled by time, was Lykara.