AYLA'S POV
The square was hellfire and shadow.
Kael's black wolf slammed into Veylor's form again, tearing smoke and ichor, while my silver fire coiled around his shadow like living chains. Every pulse of the bond was molten, sharp, and urgent—our wolves fused in rage, love, and raw survival.
I could feel Kael in every heartbeat, every breath, every drop of blood. But under the heat, the tether screamed, vibrating with the strain of too much power, too much trust, too much risk.
"This is it," Kael said through the bond, his mental voice molten steel. "We end her. We end him. Or we burn together."
"Then we burned bright," I answered, my wolf howling in agreement.
Cassia leapt from the fountain, landing with unnatural grace among the fire and ash. Her white-and-gold robes glowed, untouched by soot, her jade eyes wild with triumph and fear.
