Kora’s POV
The freed wolves didn’t follow us. Some staggered back through the forest, others lingered in the grove as if afraid the shard’s power still clung to them. I wanted to stay, to comfort them, to tell them it wasn’t their fault but Edward’s hand on my back was firm, guiding me away.
“We can’t linger,” he murmured. “Aaron will feel the break. He’ll send more.”
Mara agreed with a sharp nod, already moving ahead. Her shoulders were tense, blades flashing as she spun them between her hands. “We’ve stirred the hive. He won’t ignore this one.”
The air grew heavier as we pressed deeper into the Black Pines. My fire flickered weakly, drained from burning through three anchors in such quick succession. Every step sent pain jolting up my arm where the creature had clawed me, but I gritt
