The Hollow was breaking.
Cracks split the ground like lightning scars, spiderwebbing outward from the column of white-gold light that held Aurelia suspended. Trees tilted, shaking violently as roots tore free. Wolves scrambled to higher rocks, shielding the young with their bodies.
Mist spun into screaming spirals.
The valley groaned like a living creature in agony.
And in the center of it all, Aurelia hovered trembling, glowing, caught between light and shadow, between two fates pulling at her with equal hunger.
Kane pushed against the vortex again, golden flames blazing across his arms. Each step forward burned him, searing his skin, yet he didn’t stop. Couldn’t stop.
“Aurelia!” His voice cracked. “Look at me! Don’t let them take your choice!”
Her vision swam. Pain throbbed beneat
