Derrick climbed to his feet with the Temple dagger in one hand.
Movement stirred under the trees behind him. Twelve wolves came into the clearing, their eyes lit by the same black glow running along the blade. They walked badly, knees locking and heads hanging between each step. Temple magic pulled them forward.
"Serena!" Derrick pointed the dagger toward the fortress. "When he's dead, you'll be mine again!"
He charged. The twelve puppets followed through the mud.
Kael put the umbrella into a guard's hand and reached for his greatsword.
"Wait," I said.
He looked at the men coming toward us. "Derrick won't touch you."
"I know. Let him get close enough to believe he can."
Kael understood. He stepped away from the battlement edge and left the approach open.
Derrick saw him retreat. H
