The courtyard erupted into chaos as the monstrous wolf tore through the Stormborn defenders. Illuminated by torches and moonlight, its half-shifted form rippled with grotesque bulges of muscle, patches of matted fur clinging to charred-looking flesh. Every twisted limb seemed infused with dark magic, granting it horrifying strength.
Aria felt the shock in the air as pack warriors flung themselves at the beast, only to be swatted aside like rag dolls. Blood sprayed across the flagstones, mingling with the acrid stench of sweat and fear. Somewhere behind her, Layla shouted orders, and Ronan roared a command, but the sound was drowned out by the creature’s guttural growl.
A pair of guards, braver than most, launched forward with pikes. The beast whirled, its jaws distending unnaturally. One
