The cavern vibrated beneath Aurelia’s feet as if the mountain itself feared the two powers now facing each other. The air crackled with white-gold light Aurelia’s and a deeper, older hum the Bondborn’s.
Kane moved beside her, shoulders tense, still half-shifted, silver fur streaked with blood. Every wolf in the chamber stood between Aurelia and the children, snarling at the ancient creature who had stepped out of legend.
The First Bondborn watched Aurelia with a stillness that chilled her.
“You carry my echo,” he said. “But you are not yet complete.”
Aurelia’s hands trembled with power she couldn’t fully control. “I don’t want to be complete. I want to be free.”
He tilted his head. “Freedom is a myth. Only power is real.”
“That’s the lie the Council tells,” Aurelia shot back. “You so
