The wards screamed.
The sound was high and jagged, like glass shattering in my bones. The southern gate pulsed red, glyphs sputtering and warping as if something tore at them from the other side.
Hunters.
“Form ranks!” the captain shouted. Fae archers vaulted to the ledges, nocking arrows tipped with silver flame. Wolves spread low along the wall, teeth bared, claws scoring stone. Nesbit’s growl rolled like thunder beneath the din.
Lou’s body expanded beside me, gold racing over his skin until Tan burst free in a rush of scales and wings. His roar split the sky, shaking loose shards of crystal from the cliff face.
“Stay behind me, Sugar!” His voice vibrated through the bond, deeper and edged with fire.
The wards buckled. A fissure split the air and shadows spilled through, coalescing
