Leila’s POV
The ground trembled with the thunder of hooves and the clash of steel as the two armies met at last on the open plain. Smoke curled from scattered fires, and the acrid tang of sweat and blood hung heavy in the air. I stood at the edge of the battle, heart hammering so fiercely I could almost hear it over the din. On one side, Sebastian’s shadow-wolves pressed forward in dark columns; on the other, our Crimson Moon warriors, my brothers and my pack held their line with grim determination.
I wore light leather armor rather than Sebastian’s silken robes, my sword sheathed at my hip. My hair was braided back, so nothing hindered my vision or threatened to tangle in my grip. Every breath I drew tasted of smoke and metal, but also of freedom. He had not found me in the woods. My b
