Cinders float from the sky, drifting down in powdery flakes of hot ash. Smoke thickens the air, choking visibility, but I’m not human—and for once, I’m grateful for the sharpness of near‑immortal eyes. Through the haze, I spot Bethany, the witch Canum once ordered to shove Edge down my throat. She hurls a spell meant to obliterate one of Phantom’s guards, but it misfires, charring a tree into more ash that swirls around us like burning snow. The battlefield breathes fire and ruin, every breath a punishment, every heartbeat a drum of war.
My gaze locks on Canum. Rage coils in my chest, salivating at the thought of revenge. He moves with lightning speed, kicking Phantom square in the chest, his assault relentless against the man I love. The impact reverberates like thunder, Phantom’s body t
