He was drenched in blood and starlight.
A Silverclaw warrior burst through the Court's edge, collapsing before Elara with gasping breath. She recognized him.
"Thorne?"
His eyes widened in horror. "Elara run. They're coming. The Alphas they know. They followed the magic. They're going to burn the forest, and the human village, and"
Kael's expression darkened. "They dare enter the Sixth Court?"
Thorne coughed, crimson staining his lips. "They brought the Blight. They think if they destroy you, they can sever the bond."
Elara's stomach dropped. "The Blight hasn't been used since the War of Flames. It destroys everything."
Kael growled, his shadows rising. "Then let them come. They will learn the cost of threatening my mate."
Elara stood between them. Her eyes blazed.
"No. I will stop them. I will return. Alone."
Kael's jaw tightened. "They will kill you."
"Then I'll die as I lived protecting those who feared me."
Kael stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "You are more than their shield. You are fire, Elara. Let them see it."
Her mark pulsed with power. Thorne stirred, weak but aware.
"We can't hold them off for long," he rasped. "But if you return and reveal the bond, some may stand down. The others"
"Will burn," Kael finished coldly.
Elara placed her hand over Kael's heart. The bond between them thrummed like a living force.
"Give me one night. If I fail, then unleash your wrath."
He took her hand, kissed her knuckles. "One night, little wolf. The court will wait but I won't."
As she turned to go, Kael opened a portal carved from flame and bone. The scent of pine and ash flooded her senses.
She stepped through.
Back into a world that no longer recognized her.
Back to where her fire would be tested.
And her war would begin.