My voice rose, layered with something otherworldly, slicing through the air like a roaring sea. "This is my warning to you. Challenge me again, and I will show you the true meaning of submission."
The power within me surged like a storm, and my eyes flickered from blue to a brilliant shade of purple, glowing for a heartbeat before fading back.
When the wind stilled, the silence that followed was deafening. The elders were pale, their knuckles white as they gripped the table. No one dared to speak.
I exhaled slowly and retracted my power, my heart pounding in my chest. The message had been delivered. Loud and clear.
Damon stared at me, awe and admiration shining in his eyes. Theo looked half impressed, half terrified, while Alaric rubbed his forehead as if trying to process what had just happened.
Without a word, Alaric stood abruptly. His chair scraped against the stone floor. "I will take the message of the alliance to the witches," he said, his voice steady but low.
