The creature didn't miss a beat as it snapped at her again. These shadow wolves were stronger than regular rogues, harder to kill. Laura retreated a few steps, looking for an advantage.
"Laura!"
Nikolai appeared in the doorway to the main hall, his clothes torn, a thin cut across his cheek already healing. His eyes widened at the sight of her facing the shadow wolf alone.
The distraction cost her. The wolf lunged, catching her off guard. Laura twisted, avoiding its teeth but not its claws. Pain flared across her upper arm as the shadow wolf's claws ripped through her nightgown and skin.
Before it could attack again, a blur of motion slammed into the creature, driving it against the wall with enough force to crack the plaster. Lucian, his eyes glowing Alpha-gold, had the wolf by the thr
