The freed wolves' song faded as the ground began to shake.
Not gently. Violently. Like the orchard itself was convulsing.
I pulled back from Astro, blood still wet on both our faces where the curse had wounded us. His eyes remained closed, the black fire across his features pulsing with each shallow breath.
Still alive. Barely.
"What's happening?" one of the freed wolves asked, panic creeping into her voice.
Kael looked around, his expression darkening. "The orchard is collapsing."
He was right. The trees were changing again, but not slowly like before. Rapidly. Violently. White bark cracking, splitting, revealing red underneath. The corruption I'd created fighting against Luna's original design.
Two opposing magics trying to occupy the same space.
Tearing everything apart in the process.
"We need to move." Kael grabbed my arm. "Now. Before the whole place comes down on us."
I looked at Astro, at his still form on the ground covered in white petals and blood.
