ARIA POV
The ground shook as something huge crashed through the trees behind us. I spun around, my heart pounding, expecting to see more Shadow Lords. Instead, a dragon landed with a thundering boom that made my teeth rattle.
"Get down!" I shouted, but the dragon wasn't attacking. It was bleeding.
A woman slid off the dragon's back, her clothes torn and covered in silver blood. She had pointed ears and eyes that glowed like stars. An elf, I realized with shock. I'd never seen one before, but the stories were real.
"Are you the Moon Alpha?" she gasped, tripping toward me.
"Yes, but—"
"Thank the old gods," she breathed. "We need your help. The Shadow Lords... they're not just hunting werewolves."
The dragon behind her let out a weak roar and crumpled. Its huge side rose and fell in ragged breaths. Whatever had hurt it was strong. Very strong.
