But then... everything stopped.
A sudden gust of freezing wind swept across the field, snuffing out flames in its path. Witches and werewolves alike froze mid-fight as a figure glided across the battlefield like death itself.
A woman dressed in layered black robes with streaks of glowing crimson approached. Her silver-white braid swung down her back, and her icy green eyes held centuries of cold rage.
The aura around her crackled with magic so fierce, even the wolves whimpered.
"Who is that…?" Callista whispered.
From the shadows, Sabrina emerged, her tone almost reverent. "That... is Elira. My second-in-command. High Priestess of our Coven—and the most powerful battle witch alive."
Callista clenched her fists. "You brought her to destroy them."
"No," Elira spoke before Sabrina could answer. Her voice was like steel. "I came for you."
Callista stepped forward, fury burning in her veins. "I'm not going anywhere with you."
"You're not a wolf, Callista," Elira said coldly. "You're one of us. But you've let the mark of the Alpha blind you."
"Lucien is my mate!" Callista shouted, power radiating from her. "And I chose both sides. I am both!"
"Then prove it," Elira hissed, raising her arms.
The battlefield transformed. Winds swirled, and a dome of ancient magic enclosed them. Everyone else faded into a blur—just Callista and Elira, face to face in a circle of runes glowing with bloodlight.
"This is your Trial," Elira growled. "Pass it, or die."
Before Callista could brace herself, a bolt of red lightning struck her chest, knocking her backward. She screamed, writhing in pain, her wolf howling inside her mind.
But then… a voice.
"Callista… get up."
Lucien.
He was calling her name in her mind, over and over. His voice was clear, cutting through the pain she felt like a blade.
"I'm coming, Lucien," she whispered, eyes blazing.
Her power surged. Her hands lit up with silver fire. Her wolf—fully awakened now—rose within her with a roar. Her magic exploded outward, crashing into Elira's dark spell, shattering it into a million sparks.
Elira stumbled. For the first time, she looked… afraid.
"You don't understand," Callista said as she floated above the ground, her hair swirling with magic, her eyes glowing. "I'm not just a witch. I'm not just a wolf. I am the bridge. And you can't break what the Moon Goddess has destined."
Elira lunged again—but Callista raised her hand and sent a pulse of energy that knocked the High Priestess to her knees.
Before another strike could land, Sabrina raised her hand, calling an end to the fight.
Elira growled, "This isn't over."
"No," Callista replied coldly, her gaze drifting back toward where Lucien stands. "It's just beginning."