As they moved through the dense forest, Elyra clutched her pendant, its faint glow steadying her nerves. "It brought us back now for a reason," she said, her voice tinged with conviction. "The portal wasn't random. It was meant to bring us here at this exact moment." Dain walked beside her, his brow furrowed. "If that's true, then it's tied to the Lycan King's power. Maybe it's a warning. Or..." He hesitated, his hand brushing the hilt of his knife. "...a challenge."

Elyra pressed her lips into a thin line. "If the King's power is growing, that means we were sent back to stop it. But what if we're not ready?"

The weight of her words lingered as they set up camp in a hidden grove. Moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting silvery beams that made the clearing seem almost enchanted.noveldrama

Elyra leaned against Dain, her exhaustion evident as she rested her head on his shoulder. Her silver hair glowed faintly in the moonlight, and the sight tugged at Dain in a way he couldn't ignore.

"What if we're not strong enough for what's ahead?" Elyra asked softly, her vulnerability laid bare.

Dain lifted a hand, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His touch was tender, lingering longer than it should. "We've survived everything so far," he said, his voice low and steady. "Together. That won't change."

Elyra lifted her gaze to meet his, her golden eyes shimmering with emotion. For a moment, the world faded, the bond between them pulling tighter. The air grew charged, their forbidden feelings closer to breaking through.

A distant howl pierced the night, snapping the tension. Elyra straightened, her pulse racing for reasons she couldn't fully explain.

"They're still hunting us," Dain said, his voice clipped. He rose to his feet, scanning the forest.