The red laser dot on my chest felt like a brand, but it was nothing compared to the fire screaming in my veins.
"Target locked," a voice crackled from the ridge.
But behind me, the forest was screaming. I turned, and the sight was worse than any tactical squad. Marek was holding Finn’s shriveled, papery body, letting out a howl that wasn't human. It was the sound of a father losing a son.
"You... you soulless w***e!" Marek roared, dropping the husk of the boy and charging.
He didn't use his claws. He drew a silver-plated hunting knife, his eyes bloodshot, his face wet with tears that froze on his skin. Behind him, Hokan and Jace followed, their weapons raised not to capture, but to butcher.
"Marek, stop!" Silas screamed, throwing himself into the path.
The collision was brutal. I hea
