Felicia sat on the edge of the couch, staring into the crackling fire, but no warmth could touch her.

Damien and the warriors had left hours ago, their howls echoing into the night as they searched for Danny and Max.

But Felicia couldn’t sit here doing nothing.

Her heart felt like it was being crushed, her mind torturing her with thoughts of what could be happening to her boys.

They needed her.

And she wouldn’t fail them.

“I’ll find them myself,” she whispered.

Without hesitation, she stood up, grabbed her rain boots, and pulled on a thick coat. Her hands shook slightly, but her determination was stronger than her fear.

She knew that every second that passed was another second her sons were in danger.

Slipping Away

Felicia crept down the stairs, her footsteps silent against the wooden floorboards.

She stepped outside, the cold air biting at her skin, but she didn’t care.

A guard stood at the entrance, his sharp eyes landing on her immediately.

“Luna Felicia, where are you going?”

She forced a calm expression, her voice even. “Just for some fresh air. I need to clear my head.”

The guard hesitated before nodding. “Please stay within the estate. We’re under high alert.”

Felicia offered a small forced smile before turning away, walking towards the garden.

As soon as she was out of sight, she broke into a run.

She didn’t know where Danielle had taken them—but her sons were wolves.

And wolves left a scent.

Following the Trail

Felicia inhaled deeply, closing her eyes, forcing herself to focus.

The scent of wet earth and pine filled her nose, the crisp night air making her senses sharper.

Then—

There.

A faint but undeniable scent.

Danny.

Max.

It was faint, barely lingering in the wind, but it was real.

Felicia’s heart hammered as she followed it, moving swiftly through the forest.

The scent grew stronger as she moved deeper into the woods, her boots squelching through the damp ground.

Then, she froze.

The scent trail led to the east—beyond the wolf territories.

Her chest tightened.

No.

She took another hesitant step forward, and suddenly she recognized the underlying scent woven into her sons’ trail.

Blood.

Vampires.

Felicia’s blood ran cold.

Danielle—was she…?

No.

That didn’t make sense.

Danielle was a wolf.

But as Felicia stood there, feeling the energy of the land shift, the pieces clicked into place.

Danielle wasn’t just a wolf.

She was something more. Something worse.

A hybrid.

Half-wolf. Half-vampire.

Felicia’s stomach twisted painfully, but she didn’t hesitate.

She kept going.

Her sons were ahead, and nothing—nothing—would stop her from reaching them.

Entering Vampire Territory

Felicia moved swiftly, sticking to the shadows as she approached the edge of vampire territory.

The air felt colder here, the atmosphere heavy with an eerie stillness.

She spotted a stone manor in the distance, its tall iron gates standing ominous against the night.

Felicia slowed her steps, keeping her breathing steady as she inched forward.

The scent of Danny and Max was strongest here.

They were inside.

Her boys were inside.

Felicia’s chest ached with fear, but she pushed forward.

She had to get them out.

Inside the Manor

Felicia found a weak spot in the outer wall, slipping inside undetected.

The manor was dark, ancient, and eerily silent.

She moved through the halls, her wolf senses heightened, following the scent of her sons.

Then—

She heard it.

A small whimper.

Her heart leapt to her throat as she followed the sound, leading her to a heavy wooden door.

Felicia pushed it open cautiously, and her breath hitched.

Danny and Max were inside.

The boys were curled up in the corner of the dimly lit room, their wrists and ankles bound in silver chains.

Max’s eyes widened when he saw her, and he let out a tiny sob.

“Mommy!”

Felicia rushed forward, dropping to her knees. “I’m here, babies. I’m here.”

Danny was shaking, his little face streaked with tears. “We wanna go home, Mommy.”

Felicia’s heart shattered, but she forced herself to stay strong. “I’m getting you out of here, okay? Stay still.”

She reached for their chains, her hands burning at the silver’s touch, but she didn’t care.

She had to get them out.

Then—

A sharp pain exploded at the back of her head.

Her vision blurred instantly, darkness crashing into her like a wave.

She barely heard Danny and Max screaming before everything went black.

The last thing she saw was a dark silhouette stepping into the room—Danielle, smiling wickedly.

“Took you long enough, Felicia.”