The shadow tendrils of Varak’s ritual tightened around Elara’s chest like living chains forged from midnight and malice.
She stood at the center of the battlefield on Blackpine Ridge, knees buckling under the immense pressure. The heart of the silent moon — that ancient, luminous core inside her — was being pulled toward the ritual circle with brutal force. Every beat of her heart now echoed with the dark rhythm of Varak’s chant, resonating against her will.
Pain unlike anything she had ever felt lanced through her ribcage. It wasn’t just physical. It was existential — as if her very soul was being torn in two.
Around her, the battle raged in a storm of claws, fangs, and screams. Kai’s massive black wolf fought like a force of nature, tearing through elite rogues to reach her. Lila’s co
