LILA’S POV
Pain.
It was the first thing I felt.
Not the sharp kind that comes from claws or teeth, but something deeper something burning beneath my skin like molten fire trying to escape.
My vision blurred as darkness crept along the edges.
“Lila!”
Marcus’s voice sounded distant, like it was coming from underwater.
Strong arms caught me before I could collapse completely. His scent pine, steel, and something achingly familiar—wrapped around me as he pulled me against his chest.
“Stay with me,” he said, his voice rough with panic.
I tried to breathe, but every inhale sent another wave of pain crashing through me.
The power inside my veins was moving.
Growing.
Changing.
And it was terrifying.
“Something’s wrong,” Callum said somewhere nearby.
“No kidding,” Davian muttered, th
