Lily’s heart hammered in her chest as she realized Lexa had no intention of stopping.
The twisted words of the incantation left Lexa’s lips with dark resolve, and Lily could feel the air around them thickening with an unnatural energy.
She had come all this way to stop Lexa, and here was the moment of decision.
“No,” she whispered, more to herself, but her resolve hardened as she stepped forward.
This wasn’t just a power grab—it was a threat to her life. She couldn’t afford to be gentle.
Without thinking twice, she raised her hand and struck Lexa across the face, a sharp, resounding slap that echoed through the forest.
Lexa staggered back, momentarily stunned, and the ritual stopped.
Lexa raised her hand to her cheek, eyes blazing with fury as she glared at Lily.
“You dare?” Lex
