AYLA'S POV
The pack narrowed to Kael's golden eyes, the shadow coiling around him, and the scream of the bond in my chest.
Snow and ice fractured beneath his boots as the eyeless god dragged him toward the pit, its smoke tendrils wrapping his arms, chest, and throat like living chains. Kael's black wolf fought, muscles straining, claws scraping against the ice—but the shadow only tightened, dragging him toward the abyss.
"Ayla!" His voice was rough, torn between command and desperation.
Stay back!
The bond flared hot, filled with fear and a rage that wasn't mine alone. My wolf howled inside me, silver fire licking up my arms, demanding I move.
I ran.
The edge of the fractured ice came fast, the wind cutting like knives against my face. My heart hammered in my chest, every instinct screaming this was madness—but the bond roared louder than fear.
I leapt.
