The night split open.
The first clash of wolves hit like thunder, a collision of fur and teeth and power. The clearing exploded with snarls and screams, the air thick with blood and magic.
Aria’s light blazed to life around her, pouring from her skin like wildfire. Her wolf’s paws scorched the earth as she lunged, slamming into the first shadow-twisted wolf that dared to rush her. They rolled across the ground, her jaws finding its throat, tearing through corrupted flesh until it went limp beneath her.
The shadow burned away in a hiss of smoke, leaving behind a body that looked… almost peaceful.
I can save them. The thought hit hard and fast, filling her with reckless determination.
“Aria!” Killian’s voice roared through the bond. Stay close!
But she was already moving, darting betwe
