Page 103 of Wolf's Fate

Looking down, I saw the blood. Deep scratches torn through her clothes, across her skin.

My hands were claws.

Claws painted in blood.

Herblood.

The whispered screams turned to taunting laughter. Filling my head. Echoing all around me. Twisting and turning, I tried to clear my head of the sound.

“Caleb?”

The laughter stopped abruptly as the fog lifted from my mind, as I stared in horror at her as she bled in my arms.

“No…No!Willow!”

Her legs buckled and I followed her down to the ground, my hand pressing against the wounds. “Willow, no, I didn’t—” My voice cracked as the magnitude of what I’d done overwhelmed me. “Willow, I didn’t mean…”

Her hand cupped the side of my face, her eyes full of pain, but she touched me so softly. “You didn’t do this,” she whispered, her voice faint. “This wasn’t you, Caleb. I know that. I don’t blame you.”

I felt nothing but sudden clarity. My mind felt clear for the first time in what felt like years.

But it was too late.

I’d hurt her.Iwas the one who made her bleed.

Tilting my head back, I screamed into the night. “Goddess! Help me!”

The mountain was still, broken only by Willow’s ragged breathing. Bending down, I kissed her forehead. “I’m going to fix this.”

“It’s okay, you’re going to be okay.” She smiled up at me as I cradled her in my arms. “I can see you.” Her voice was little more than a whisper. “Your eyes are clear of the shadows. Don’t let them come for you.” Her voice was so faint. “I would have loved you. If we had more time. I’m sorry.”

Her eyes closed and I felt her life spilling out over my hands, not as fast as before.

“No.”

Looking towards the sky, I saw the sliver of the silver moon as it appeared slowly from behind the cloud cover.

“No.” Getting to my feet, I lifted her in my arms as I headed to the cabin. “No, Luna, you don’t get to take her too.”

Laying her down on the bed, I stepped back. Her chest barely moved as I made my decision. Biting into my wrist, I stepped forward. I heard the creak of a floorboard behind me.

With my wrist over her mouth, I turned and faced the door to see who dared enter here.

“Stop.”