Claiming Emerald: Four Alphas At Her Feet

"Are you sure we should be following a shadow into the unknown?" Viola’s voice buzzed in Emerald’s head as she slipped past the last set of torches that lined the courtyard.

"No," Emerald muttered under her breath. "But I’m doing it anyway."

The bright windows of the estate dimmed behind her as she walked deeper into the woods. The moon shone high above, its light breaking through the leaves in small pieces.

With each step, she moved further away from the safety of her home and into the quiet of the forest.

"You’re not thinking straight," Viola said. "This could be a trap."

"Probably is."

"And you’re walking straight into it."

Emerald’s boots crushed a patch of dried leaves, the sound unnervingly loud in the silence. "I know."

Branches creaked above her, and the wind carried with it the earthy scent of moss and shadow.

There was no trail, no path, just instinct guiding her feet and the persistent tug deep in her chest. Like a string tied to her sternum, pulling her further and further away from everything rational.

"It’s getting stronger," she whispered.