Chapter62: The Magic in the Hair

*Leo* I limp back toward the campfire, one paw dragging slightly with each step. Blood drips from my shoulder, hot and sticky against my fur. The clearing smells like blood—mine and theirs. Behind me, Roxy’s footsteps crunch softly through the underbrush. I stop near our satchels and glance over my shoulder. She’s watching me, her lips parted, worry painted across her face. “Roxy,” I say through the mind-link, pushing the words gently in her direction. “Turn around so I can shift.” I don’t know if it’ll work. She’s not from my pack. But still, without hesitation, she turns. She heard me, but it shouldn’t be possible. The connection shouldn’t be there, unless…. I don’t let myself follow the thought. Not now. I shift. Bones snap. The pain in my shoulder intensifies for one white-hot second, and then I’m kneeling in the grass, naked, blood running freely down my arm. My body hums with exhaustion and adrenaline. My hands shake as I reach for my clothes. Behind me, Roxy doesn’t move. Doesn’