I was hit hard by the first wolf.
Instinctively, my power erupted, shattering the creature into dust as silver teeth sank into shadow rather than flesh. Then came another. Then another. They came from every direction— burning, howling, eyes blind with purpose.
I didn't think. I moved.
The pack was sliced by shadows that sliced through the silver air. Every strike felt like it split the world a little more, and the ground burned beneath my feet. Fire and frost, black and white, shimmered in the air.
The First stood in the center of the chaos, watching me. They didn't fight or move. They simply stood there with a face that was half mine, half something celestial. Calm. Waiting.
“Why aren’t you helping?” I shouted, cutting down another wolf that lunged for my throat.
Their voice carried
