Zarek kept sniffing, again and again.
Her scent reached him even from far away, sharp and unmistakable. It hit his chest like a blow, making his lungs burn.
The beast inside him stirred violently, raking against his ribs. They weren't even in the same place, yet it felt like she was right there, breathing against his skin.
It was torture.
"Enough," Maelina snapped. "I can't watch this anymore. I'm bringing her here."
She took a single step.
Zarek roared.
The sound ripped through the field like thunder. The ground shuddered. Stones cracked. The air itself seemed to tear apart, and everyone froze where they stood.
Maelina stopped instantly.
Zarek lifted his head. His eyes were no longer just red, they were glowing, burning with something feral and barely restrained.
Seconds passed.
Then the scent hit him again. It was closer this time, much closer.
His breath seized, and then he saw her.
