The shadow struck faster than anything I had imagined. It was huge, taller than any wolf, its eyes burning bright red. It moved like liquid darkness, coiling and twisting through the forest. Every step it took made the ground tremble, and the air was thick with energy that clawed at my chest.
I grabbed Asher’s hand, feeling the warmth of his bond steady me. Gage stepped forward, gold eyes glowing brighter than ever.
“We have to push it back.” Gage shouted.
Asher’s voice was calm, firm. “We hold together. Let the bond guide us.”
I closed my eyes, focusing on the thread connecting the three of us. Energy pulsed from my chest, steady, strong, warm. Gage responded immediately, his golden energy flowing into mine. Asher added his own strength, solid and protective. Together, we formed a cir
