The air was thick with tension as Aria stood on the ridge, watching the enemy army swell below like a flood about to burst. The torches burned red against the night, casting flickering shadows over snarling wolves and dark-robed figures. Mara's presence lingered in the air like a poison.
"They're not attacking yet," Caleb said beside her, his voice low. "They're waiting."
"Waiting for the blood moon to rise," Solene said grimly. "When it reaches its peak, their power will be at its strongest."
Elena stepped up to Aria's other side. Her silver eyes reflected the moonlight, still haunted but clear. "Then we have until moonpeak to prepare."
Aria clenched her fists. Her spirit wolf stirred inside her, a pulse of light against the encroaching darkness. "We fight. We don't surrender. Not to them. Not to her."
