SCARLETT
The first shadow-wolf lunged, its jaws wide, dripping with black flame.
Kael’s fist ignited, flames bursting from his knuckles as he punched through its skull, the creature exploding into smoke and ash. He whirled, his golden eyes burning. “Stay behind me!” he roared.
But there was no behind.
The fissures kept splitting, pouring out more of the beasts—ten, twenty, thirty of them, their snarls echoing in unison, vibrating through my bones.
Darius struck next, his body surging with lightning. He ripped one shadow-wolf apart with his bare hands, the electricity frying it into nothing. His storm aura stretched outward, shielding me as another leapt from the side. His silver eyes cut to me, fierce and desperate. “Scarlett—don’t let the mark control you. Focus on me!”
But the mar
