“STOP!” I command, my voice ringing through the air like lightning.
The moment freezes. Arrows halt mid-flight. Rogues hesitate. Even Craig falters.
But only for a second.
Then he lunges for me—snarling, unhinged.
I don’t even hesitate.
I let Ailm rise through me like a storm and speak through my mouth, layered with unnatural force.
“Submit, boy.”
Craig freezes. His entire body locks up. His growl cuts off as his limbs give way and he crashes to the sand, falling to his knees, neck exposed to me.
He doesn’t move.
Can’t.
I turn calmly to Caden, my breath still sharp in my chest. I smile, but it’s the smile of someone barely holding everything in place.
“Will you do the honors, love?”
“Oh,” Caden murmurs, eyes dark. “It would be my pleasure, Luna.”
He strides forward, gaze never
