AYLA'S POV
"No!"
The scream ripped out of me as Kael staggered, the Hollow's claw jutting straight through his chest. Blood—bright, impossibly red—poured down his fur, dripping onto the stone like fire.
His wolf's golden eyes flared once, then dimmed.
The Hollow leaned close, its ribcage of smoke tightening around him. See, little flame? He was never strong enough. You chose chains, and now your chain breaks.
"Let him go!" My fire lashed out, but the monster twisted, dragging Kael's wolf across the cracked stone like a doll.
He coughed, blood spattering, his voice a rasp through fangs. "Ayla—don't stop—"
"Shut up!" My throat burned, tears streaming hot as flame. "Don't you dare tell me to watch you die!"
The Hollow's laugh shook the void. Die? Oh no, child. I will not kill him. I will hollow him out. He will rise—mine.
Kael's body convulsed as the black smoke poured from the Hollow's claw into his chest, sinking into him like rot. His golden fire flickered.
