AYLA'S POV
The ground split beneath me, jagged stone swallowing fire. My hands trembled, my own light guttering, as two Kaels stood before me.
Both bled. Both burned. Both looked at me with those searing golden eyes.
One snarled, voice cutting like iron. "You're nothing without me. You'll kneel, or you'll be nothing."
The other roared, his voice ragged with desperation. "Fight it, Ayla! Look at me! You know me—you know me!"
But they looked the same. It smelled the same. Moved the same. My wolf howled inside me, clawing at my ribs. Choose. Choose or you lose him.
I staggered back, clutching my chest. The Hollow's laughter slithered through the air.
You wanted to rule beside him, little flame? You can't even tell him apart from me.
The cruel Kael grabbed my wrist, twisting until pain shot up my arm. "Stop lying to yourself. You've always been weak. That's why they left you. That's why they caged you. And that's why I'll keep you—because you'll never leave."
