**Gabe's POV**
Rage and terror warred within me. My mother's presence loomed like a dark cloud over the glade, suffocating any hope that had blossomed in my heart. But as I looked into Evelina's eyes, wide with fear but unwavering in their trust in me, a fire ignited within my soul.
I stepped forward, every fiber of my being focused on one thing: protecting her. Defying my mother, defying the shadows of doubt and weakness that threatened to overtake me once more.
I moved fast, extending my claws and fighting off the men surrounding Evelina.
The cries of battle filled the air as I fought with all my strength to keep Evelina safe. My mother's forces were formidable, but I refused to yield.
Evelina's eyes never left me, her faith in me shining like a beacon in the chaos. With each strik
