ling fire, their faces aglow with the warm, flickering light. The flames danced like living creatures, casting long s

ed with a fierce determination that flickered like the firelight in h

the nearby pack who might be willing to help us. They share our desire for freed

voice rising above the crackle of the fire. Yet a shadow crossed her features as she contempla

is power-hungry, consumed by an insatiable thirst for control. He will stop at nothing to achieve his t

g flames and the scent of pine, Aria felt a surge of determination welling up within her. She glanced at her companions, re

and full of laughter, was abruptly cut short by the eerie sound of rustling leaves and the ominous snapping of twigs underfoot. Kael's head snapped up, his very essence a

like molten gold in the firelight. Each silhouette bore the symbol of Malakai, marking them as

the advancing wolves and Aria, with his brother Kieran steadfastly beside him. "Protect Aria," Kael whisp

re stacked cruelly against him. The wolves were numerous and relentless, and soon the effects of each savage bite and clawing swipe began to mar his once-gleaming fur, n

s paralyzed with fear, unsure of how to assist, as the scene unfolded like a nightmare before her eyes. B

attention toward herself, the sound of their snarls a haunting echo against her ears. She sprinted toward the nearby strea

n dashed for safety. Kael, though badly injured, found strength in the bond

e forest, away from the only semblance of safety she had known. Gasping on the ground, she could see Kael's battered form being carried by Kieran, bat

e heavy, dark wood of the throne cast a foreboding shadow, and there sat Malakai, his presence radiating a chilling sense of authority

low, mocking hiss that slithered through the air,

ndering her powerless. With a dismissive nod, Malakai signaled to them, and she was unceremoniously hurled to the co

ai stated, his voice laced with cruel anticipation. "And when t

to a dark, damp cell deep within the belly of the lair. The heavy door slammed shut with a resounding thud, echoing throug