Her knees hit the ground, and then — it happened.
A surge of energy burst outward from her like a shockwave, blinding and raw. The sound was deafening, a rush of power that tore through the clearing. Every rogue within reach was thrown back — slammed into trees, rocks, the ground and then lay still. The remaining few whimpered and scattered, fleeing into the forest like frightened prey.
For a long moment, there was nothing but silence. The dust settled slowly.
Damien, now in his human form, stood amidst the wreckage, his chest heaving, eyes wide. He hadn’t even realized he’d shifted back. His gaze found her instantly.
Aurora knelt at the center of it all, her breathing ragged, tendrils of power still flickering faintly around her like silver smoke. Her eyes, those haunting blue eyes fl
