Ashyra hit the stone wall hard, the breath driven from her lungs as jagged pain ripped across her shoulder. Dust clouded her vision, but through the haze she saw Stephan charge the cloaked figure with a snarl that shook the ancient tower.
Steel met dark magic in a clash that sparked through the air. The figure didn’t flinch as Stephan’s claws slashed, as though he had anticipated the strike before it landed. Shadows peeled from his form, twisting into tendrils that lashed out with brutal precision.
Ashyra pushed herself up, her wolf howling in fury. Lira. Her gaze snapped to the girl still bound in silver and fire—her pulse flickering, lips parted in a silent cry.
Kael was already at her side, trying to undo the bindings with trembling hands. “It’s a spell,” he cursed. “Layered and anci
