Elara stood her ground as shadows poured into the clearing — writhing, twisted forms that hissed like smoke and moved like water. They were Vael's creations, dark spirits pulled from the veil between life and death. And they had one target.
Her.
Fire surged beneath her skin, begging to be released. But Elara held it in check, narrowing her eyes at Vael. "You said parley. This is your idea of peace?"
Vael's smile was icy. "It was a peace offering. You refused it."
The creatures lunged.
Elara's hands ignited in a flash of golden flame, her body moving before thought. Fire burst from her palms, forming a protective circle as she ducked and spun, searing the shadows as they closed in. Where her flames struck, the spirits screamed and vanished like mist under morning sun.
But there were too many.
One slammed into her side, knocking her off her feet. Another pinned her arm. Her flame sputtered as panic crept in — until a savage growl split the air.
Kael.
He tore through the darkness, shifting mid-leap into his wolf form — massive, silver, furious. His fangs sank into one of the shadow-beasts, tearing it apart before shifting back and shielding Elara with his body.
"You didn't think I'd actually let you go alone, did you?" he said, panting.
"I told you to wait," she gasped.
He threw her a wicked grin. "Yeah, well. I'm bad at following rules."
Together, they fought — her flames and his claws dancing in deadly rhythm. Every breath was fire. Every heartbeat a promise.
But then the ground cracked beneath them. Vael raised his hand, dark energy swirling around his fingertips.
"You've sealed your fate," he snarled. "Next time, there won't be mercy."
In an instant, he vanished into the shadows, along with the remaining spirits.
Silence fell over the clearing, scorched and torn.
Kael helped Elara to her feet, his brow furrowed. "You alright?"
She nodded, but her body trembled. Not from pain — from power. It was growing.
"We're not ready," she whispered. "But neither is he."
Kael looked at her, pride and concern mingling in his eyes. "Then we'd better get ready fast."