Dawn broke red.
Not the soft, golden glow of peace—but a blood-streaked warning across the sky. The camp stood ready, armored and alert. Every warrior wore the tension like a second skin. The air tasted of steel and fear.
Raine stood at the front, Xavier beside her, the wind brushing through her dark curls as the silver mark across her collarbone shimmered faintly.
"They're coming," she said, her voice low. "I can feel the pull of their power."
From the hills beyond, the Council forces emerged—shadowed figures in black armor, sigils glowing with dark enchantments. At their center stood a figure cloaked in crimson. He raised a hand, and silence fell.
"I am General Corvyn," he announced, voice magically amplified, echoing through the valley. "By the decree of the High Council, you are hereby declared enemies of the Blood Pact. Surrender the marked one—Raine—and you will be spared."
The wolves stirred.
A low growl rippled through their lines.
Raine stepped forward.
"No," she said simply, clearly. "You want my power? Come take it."
Corvyn's mouth curled into a cruel smile. "So be it."
With a sharp gesture, he brought his hand down.
The valley exploded into chaos.
Council warriors surged forward, magic crackling around them. The wolves roared in response, shifting mid-leap, claws and teeth flashing. Ezra led the right flank, his blade spinning in a deadly arc. Leena danced through the front lines with her daggers, shadows bending to her will. Micah and the mystics held the rear, casting protective spells to guard the wounded and channel Raine's power.
Raine moved like a storm.
Wreathed in silver fire, she struck with fierce precision, her mother's blade glowing as it cut through wards and flesh alike. Every blow she landed pulsed with something ancient—the legacy awakening.
Xavier stayed close, cutting down those who broke through. They fought back-to-back, perfectly in sync, their bond shining in every movement.
But the Council was prepared.
Corvyn unleashed a wave of cursed energy that split the battlefield. Several wolves were thrown back, howling in pain. He raised a dark staff and pointed it toward Raine.
"Let's see if the stories are true."
Dark roots erupted from the ground, snaking toward her.
Raine raised her hand—and the earth answered.
Silver vines burst upward, meeting the dark roots midair in a clash of light and shadow.
Xavier grunted beside her. "They're targeting you."
"Then they'll have to go through me."
But deep in her chest, Raine felt something stir. Something sleeping… beginning to rise.
Not now, she begged silently.
Not yet.
And somewhere on the field, Ezekiel was missing.