VALERIA Ibarely had time to shove Sophias half-dying body to the side before a formidable enemy lunged at me.
I didnt remember Dorian being this strong.
He didnt look like this...
or did he? A sharp pain throbbed in my head, but I didnt have time to doubt.
It was clear he was here for my head.
Thissed in pain as claws sank into my shoulder, gripping me tightly to subdue me.
When I looked up, I found the hate-filled red eyes of a massive beast staring back at me.
Something inside my mind struggled to break free, a scream buried deep within, but I couldnt hear it because his other claw was already descending toward my head.
My hardened wings erupted from my back, and the stinger pierced through the palm of his raised hand with brutal force, taking him by surprise as it skewered straight through.
Taking advantage of the moment, I extended my claws toward his throat, but he swiftly pulled back from my attack.
Still, [saw his intent to grab my wing and tear it off.
I withdrew the stinger immediately and stepped back as well.
[hissed while he roared, and we circled each other on the cliffs edge, eyes locked, measuring one another.
Then his gaze landed on the woman lying face down on the ground, and it was like a switch flipped.
He launched at me again with incredible speed, aiming for vital points.
He was more experienced, a seasoned fighter.
Despite my superior speed and ferocious counterattacks, I sustained several deep claw wounds, my dress in tatters and my pale skin torn open.
I spread my hands and summoned my shadows, shrouding myself to confuse his senses, hiding my presence.
Ina single beat of my wings, I appeared behind him, catching him off guard.
Iextended my claws to pierce through his fur and toward his heart, but I froze just centimeters away from his muscles.
Icouldnt kill him.
Not him.
Who was this man? Dorian didnt look like this.
This was a Lycan.
And I knew Lycansone in particular who meant everything to me.