The Wildwoods were eerily silent, the usual rustling of leaves and distant calls of wildlife swallowed by an unnatural stillness. Your horse shifted beneath you, uneasy, and you felt it too—that sensation of being watched.

Then, a voice, smooth as silk and laced with danger.

“Lost, little rider?”

Sabine stepped from the shadows, her emerald eyes gleaming with amusement. She looked at you like a cat watching a bird too foolish to fly away.

“I know my way,” you said, though your grip on the reins tightened.

Her smirk deepened. “Do you?” She took slow, deliberate steps toward you, fingers trailing over your horse’s bridle. “Funny. You keep wandering right into my path.”

You swallowed, heart pounding. “Maybe I don’t mind.”

Sabine chuckled, tilting her head. “Now that,” she murmured, stepping closer until the cold night air between you was almost nonexistent, “is interesting.”

The wind howled, carrying the scent of rain and danger. And as Sabine watched you with that knowing, teasing look, you realized you weren’t sure if you wanted to escape—or stay lost with her a little longer.