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I hope he hears me. The strings tying our souls together are so weak. He’s fading so fast, but I feel how hard he is trying to get to me. The surge. The will to live. His love for me.

It’s all fueling him.

I don’t stop running, and I don’t pay attention to where I’m running. All I care about is following the pull between me and Leo.

I skid to a stop before I run into a giant rock wall. The bursting trees come to a stop, yet the vines climb up the mountain.

“He’s up there,” I say.

“How do you know?” Glenn asks, testing one of the thick vines by yanking on it.

“I feel it. It’s the only way I can explain it.” I tilt my head as far back as I can go. I can’t see past the clouds.

My claws lengthen, and I growl, grasping the vines.

Until they are loose in my hands. The loud whoosh makes me step back, the green vines soaring down to the ground. Once they hit the ground, the usual bright color is dead, brown, ice clinging to the long tendrils.

“It’s too cold up there for plant life,” Lorcan explains.

“If the hunter can get up there, so can I.” I dig my claws into the side of the mountain, allowing the most dangerous parts of me to come to the surface.

I climb.

“What are you doing?” Soren shouts as I race up the mountain, punching my fists through the hard surface to get a better grip.

“Getting my mate,” I snarl, more to myself than answering him.

I rip chunks out of the mountain, speeding my way up until snow melts against my cheeks. A ledge comes into view, and with all my paranormal strength, I lift myself up and launch into the air.

My claws sink into the snow first, then drag across the rock. I squeeze the ledge, lifting myself up. The wind is stronger, roaring by me with so much strength that I lean against the mountain to steady myself.

Leo’s blood is so strong, my mouth waters for a taste. I know I’m close. I peek around the corner and notice a cave settled into the body of the mountain.

Blurring inside, I follow the scent of blood.

There’s no one here, but Leo was, and it wasn’t that long ago. I squat when I notice a large puddle shining. The trail stretches to the other side of the cave. With a shaking hand, I dip my fingers into the liquid, and it’s slightly warm. I can’t tell how long it’s been stagnant.

“They were here,” Lorcan’s voice booms in the small cave.

“How the hell did you get up here?”

“I teleported,” he scoffs. “Duh.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You could have brought me here faster.”

“You didn’t ask?” He rolls his empty eyes.

I don’t have time to bicker with him. I inhale and stand. There’s an arrow on the ground, covered in more blood. Picking it up, I sniff the blood dripping off the silver tip and breathe a sigh of relief.

“It isn’t his. He fought his way out of here.” I beam with pride, then throw my head back and roar so loud that the fallen rocks on the ground tremble from the vibrations.

I snap the arrow in half, and the pieces clatter to the ground, rolling towards me.

“He was just here!” I yell, throwing my fist through the air and slamming it against the wall.

“Whoa, hey, we don’t want the entire mountain coming down on him. They can’t be far.”

“If I can’t kill him in time, can you?” I stand in front of Lorcan, gripping his boney shoulders. “Leo will need me immediately. Please.”