The air was colder than it should have been. Not just the chill of night, but something sharper, darker. Aurelia's breath steamed in the crimson glow of the moon as Seraphine's silver eyes locked onto hers.
"You've been coddled too long, little wolf," Seraphine said, stepping closer, a dagger spinning casually in her fingers. "But don't worry. I'll fix that."
Riven stepped forward, fangs bared. "Touch her, and I'll rip out your throat."
Caelum's hand lifted in warning, violet light humming between his fingertips. "Now, now. Let the girl decide if she's prey or predator."
Aurelia's instincts screamed. Her pulse thundered. Every part of her wanted to run—but another part, buried deep in her bones, whispered: Stand.
Rowan burst into the clearing first, sword drawn. Lucien followed, eyes burning.
"Get away from her!" Rowan growled.
"Tsk, tsk. The brothers arrive," Seraphine smirked. "Protective little puppies. How quaint."
The air crackled with tension, magic thick enough to choke. A single spark could ignite war.
Aurelia took a shaky step forward. "Why are you doing this? What do you want from me?"
Seraphine tilted her head. "Everything. And nothing. I want you to remember. I want you to wake up."
"She doesn't need you," Lucien snapped. "Back away. Now."
Seraphine's smile darkened. "She needs the truth."
And with that, she lunged.
Steel clashed. Rowan intercepted her mid-swing, his blade locking against Seraphine's dagger. Magic surged from Caelum, but Riven countered with a blast of shadows, dragging Aurelia out of harm's reach.
She tumbled with him into the underbrush, heart pounding. "What—what is happening?!"
Riven cupped her face, eyes feral. "You need to choose, princess. You can run back to your gilded cage… or you can fight."
A scream tore through the trees.
Rowan.
Aurelia turned—but Riven held her firm. "No. Not yet."
A howl ripped the silence.
Lucien transformed mid-air, wolf form fully unleashed, silver fur streaked with blood. He launched himself at Caelum, who met him with cold fire.
Seraphine stood at the center, laughing.
"Let's burn it all down."
Aurelia's power surged in her veins, blinding and wild. She screamed—and the earth answered. Vines erupted, the ground trembled, and a pulse of ancient force knocked everyone off their feet.
Silence.
Then, Caelum laughed softly. "There she is."
Mireya, watching from a cliff above, clutched her emerald dagger tighter. "No... she's not supposed to awaken yet. Damn you, Seraphine. Damn you all."
Back below, Aurelia collapsed, breath ragged.
Tessa burst into the clearing moments later. She dropped to her knees, wrapping a cloak around her.
"Ori… what have you done?"
Aurelia looked up, dazed but glowing. "I don't know. But I'm not afraid anymore."
From the shadows, Seraphine rose, lips curling.
"Good. Then let's begin."
End of Chapter 26