Adrian wasted no time catching his breath. He scrambled out of the car. The urgency of the moment propelled him forward; the rain was insignificant compared to his racing heart. He barely registered the damp ground as he rushed toward Natalia's car.

The world swam before him, his pounding heart blurring reality. As he approached, a wave of fear and dread washed over him.

Natalia's car sat silently, mysteriously shrouded in rain, and Adrian was desperate to unravel the mystery.

"Natalia, can you hear me?" he called.

His voice reached her like a lifeline from a dark prison.

Inside, Natalia was a whirlwind of emotions. Her world, fragile as glass and nearly shattered by the accident, felt strangely serene. Adrian's voice, clear and reassuring, seemed distant, a world she struggled to reconnect with. The pain numbed her, her mind adrift. Yet, his voice held the promise of rescue.

Her world was upside down; her mind battled between reality and fragmented memories of the accident—sharp, painful shards of what she'd endured. How had this happened? Moments ago, everything had been fine. Then, the screech of tires, the shattering glass, the spinning car—it had nearly stolen her life.

His voice slowly pulled her back. His face appeared in the shattered window, etched with concern.

The moment their eyes met, she recoiled. His presence was both familiar and unreal, jolting her back to reality. His eyes mirrored his unspoken fears and worries.

"Natalia? Don't close your eyes!" he shouted.

He reached for her; their fingers touched, a jolt of connection, their mate bond, coursing between them. She realized she'd almost forgotten he was her mate.

Adrian growled, noticing the blood on her shaking hand. His wolf urged him to protect her. He'd found his mate after a long wait—he wouldn't let her go. Ignoring the broken glass, he reached for the car lock.

Natalia slid aside as he opened the door, scooping her into his arms. Her eyes reflected her struggle, revealing both vulnerability and strength.

"Don't worry. Nothing will happen to you," he reassured her.

He saw the blood streaming down her face. He was unaware of his own near-death experience. He gently patted her cheek.

"Natalia."

She almost closed her eyes, but his voice pulled her back. She understood then, seeing him walk to his car, shaking her head. His car was…

Adrian was oblivious; he wanted to take her to the hospital, forgetting his car wouldn't start.

"I—I don't want to go. S—Save my driver. H—He's inside," Natalia mumbled, shaking her head again.

Ignoring her, he opened his car door, seeing smoke billowing out—proof of its destruction. His phone rang. He cursed himself for throwing it away in anger. Searching for it while holding Natalia

"Adria—"

Adrian cut Patric off. "Patric, come to Moon Valley Road now."

"Moon Valley? I'm near. What happened?"

Adrian glanced at Natalia's driver's car. "Arrange an ambulance. Get here faster!"

There was no time for explanations. He ended the call, waiting for his beta. Natalia was breathing deeply.

"I—I can walk. My l—legs are fine," she said, pain in her voice.

He ignored her, holding her tight. The rain stopped. He wiped away the blood. Then he saw a burn scar on her hand. Remembering the girl who'd saved him, his heart pounded.

He stared at the scar, confused. "Where did this scar come from?"

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