LILA’S POV
The forest held its breath.
No wind.
No movement.
Just the heavy sound of the Devourer’s breathing as the monstrous creature remained bowed toward the darkness beyond the trees.
Toward something none of us could see yet.
But we could feel it.
The power.
It rolled through the clearing like an invisible storm, pressing against my chest so hard it made breathing difficult.
Marcus stepped closer to me instinctively.
His body slightly in front of mine.
Protective.
But even he looked uncertain now.
The Devourer the creature Seraphine said once nearly wiped out the ancient wolves was kneeling.
Not to me.
Not to the queen’s bloodline.
But to something else.
Something stronger.
Something older.
And that terrified everyone.
Callum whispered hoarsely behind us.
“I offi
