The battlefield was ruin.
Wolves lay trembling, the earth cracked, the forest burned. Ronan staggered, his runes flickering, his shadow writhing in pain. For the first time, he bled.
But Kael still lay broken in the snow, his chest rising weakly, his green eyes dim.
Aradia fell beside him, her godfire dimming, her tears falling. "Stay with me. Please, Kael. I can't… I can't do this without you."
His hand lifted weakly, rough fingers brushing her cheek. "You never… have to. I am yours. Always."
She kissed him, fierce and desperate, her fire pouring into him. And for the first time, it did not burn him.
It healed him.
His body shuddered, his green eyes blazing back to life. He rose beside her, his massive wolf howling, his claws dripping fire.
Together, they stood—Alpha and Witch, Fang and Flame.
Their bond blazed, golden and unstoppable.
And for the first time, even the shadow feared them.