The world erupted in light.
For a moment, that section of the Black Market was consumed in Mara's flash bomb, its brilliance slicing through the underground gloom. Shadows recoiled, figures stumbled, and startled cries rang out. Even the air itself seemed to hold its breath.
Then, chaos resumed.
A guttural roar split through the Market as one of the werewolves lunged blindly, its massive claws swiping through empty space. Sarissa, still mid-motion from her last attack, reeled back, eyes narrowing against the sudden flare. Her instincts screamed at her—this was not part of the fight.
"The fuck was that?!" She snapped, pivoting, searching for the source.
Mara, already in motion, grabbed Diego's wrist and yanked him toward the nearest alley.
"No time! Move!"
Diego stumbled but obeyed, his ears still ringing from the disorientation. He stole a glance back at Sarissa, who stood with her blade poised, her sharp eyes sweeping over the battlefield like a hawk.
