As the intense light from the sudden burst of energy started to dim, I found myself in the middle of a scene that could only be called destruction. The previously green and lively battlefield was now a damaged and barren area, with trees torn out and the ground burned. I blinked, trying to see more clearly, and was surprised to notice that my body was not steady, changing between my human and wolf forms. Through the settling dust, I saw Ryder. He had been thrown back by the force of our collision, his dark energy dissipating around him like wisps of smoke. As I observed, he managed to stand up, obviously weakened but not yet beaten. His eyes locked with mine, filled with a fierce anger that made me shiver. Nearby, I could hear the moans and soft cries of my group as they gradually woke u

