Soraya's POV
The silence after the beast's death was heavier than the battle itself.
Alderon stared at me like I was something torn from another world—his eyes wide, guarded, searching my face for answers I didn't have. The guards did not move. Their weapons hung useless at their sides as they stared at me with the same fearful awe.
The power inside me flickered—hesitated—then collapsed like a dying star.
My claws sank back beneath my skin with a shuddering ripple of pain.
The heat drained from my veins.
The world spun.
My balance slipped.
Alderon lunged forward just as my knees buckled. His arms caught me before I hit the forest floor.
"Maria!" he shouted, gripping me tightly. "Maria—look at me!"
My vision blurred, but I forced a breath.
"I… I'm fine," I whispered, even though my limbs trembled violently.
"Fine?" he echoed, voice rough with shock. "Are you sure—?"
"Yes," I breathed. "It's just… a lot. I'm okay now."
He didn't believe me.
