But Shiqi did not stop. The white light curled around Emira's body like chains, binding both the women together.
"I've bound her soul to mine," Shiqi said softly, almost lovingly. Her voice carried unnaturally, echoing across the courtyard. "Every breath she takes now passes through me first."
She tilted her head, smiling faintly as Emira gasped, trembling. "If I tear myself apart—she tears with me."
Zen completely lost control.
"LET HER GO!" His roar shook the air, his wolf slamming against his skin, eyes glowing with raw fury. "You touch her again, and I swear—"
"You will do nothing," Shiqi snapped back, her smile twisting into something cruel. "You cannot even step off that podium."
Kael's hands shook, claws tearing through his skin as he fought to contain himself. "Shiqi," he growled, voice thick with violence, "end this. Now."
Lance stepped forward until the blue barrier burned against his chest. His voice was low. Deadly. "You are crossing a line you will not survive."
