The night split open with a howl.
The Shades descended, their forms more shadow than flesh wolves woven from smoke and agony, their crimson eyes gleaming like blood-soaked stars. The air itself seemed to twist around them, pulsing with dark magic that reeked of decay and power.
Selene’s breath hitched as one lunged first, its fangs dripping ink instead of saliva. She ducked, rolling across slick tiles as its claws carved through the spot she’d stood moments before. Sparks burst as Kael’s sword clashed against shadow, his snarl echoing across the roof.
“Shades don’t bleed!” he shouted, spinning his blade again. “How the hell do we kill something that isn’t alive?”
Lucian’s voice was cold steel. “You don’t. You burn what binds them.”
He slashed through the air, his blade glowing faintl
