The power detonated outward like a breaking star.
Evelyn screamed—not in pain, but in defiance—as the crown's force tore through her veins, white-hot and merciless. The shadows binding her ankles disintegrated in a flash of light, shrieking as if alive. The rift widened instead of closing, the ground buckling under the pressure of two ancient forces colliding.
River staggered to his feet, ignoring the blood matting his hair, his wolf tearing at his insides. Get to her. The bond roared the command louder than any Alpha call.
"Evelyn!" he shouted, his voice raw.
She turned toward him, eyes blazing silver, tears carving paths down her cheeks. Power rolled off her in violent waves, flattening grass, splintering bark. She looked like something torn between goddess and sacrifice.
"Don't come closer!" she cried. "It's feeding on the bond!"
