Selena.
The moment the rogues started moving towards me, I knew I was in trouble.
The second group of rogues did not circle like the first. They closed in slowly, deliberately, their steps measured, their eyes sharp and calculating. There was no laughter this time. No teasing.
Only intent.
My heart pounded against my ribs, loud enough that I was sure they could hear it. Lyra stirred beneath my skin, her presence pressing forward, alert and tense.
We cannot take them, she warned.
I swallowed hard, forcing my claws out anyway.
"I am not backing down," I whispered, though my voice trembled.
The first rogue lunged.
Everything happened at once.
A blur of movement cut through the trees. A force so fast, so violent, it sent two rogues flying before I even understood what was happening.
Then I saw them.
Kael.
Edris.
Ronan.
