“The serpent isn’t hiding anymore.”Kael’s words lingered in the cold air above the river, heavy with meaning. The rushing water below the fallen log seemed louder now, as if the forest itself had begun whispering warnings. For a moment neither Kael nor Ayla moved. Both of them continued staring at the spot where Cassian had disappeared into the thick western woods.Ayla slowly straightened from where she had been studying the tracks in the mud. The imprint of Cassian’s paws remained clear, but already the river breeze was beginning to soften the edges. Evidence never lasted long in nature. Messages, however,