The soul-chain shrieked against my sleeve. Its red runes flared.
Stone broke overhead.
The domed ceiling burst inward. A colossal black wolf dropped through the falling stone, wrapped in shadow and lightning.
Black fur crossed my vision. A massive paw struck the chain before it touched my skin.
Every link broke at once. The trapped souls released one last wail, and rust-colored dust settled over the flagstones.
The black wolf struck Caleb and drove him across the hall. His stolen magic went dark before he hit the far wall. Bone cracked against stone.
The wolf landed in front of him. Shadow drew tight around its body until Kaelen stood in its place, violet eyes fixed on Caleb.
Kaelen closed one hand around Caleb's throat, lifted him, and pinned him to the wall. Caleb kicked at empty
