The moment didn't just break—
It exploded.
Selene turned at the last possible second, instinct screaming too late as the wolf lunged straight for her. There was no time to think, no time to plan. Only reaction.
Claws tore through the air.
Through her defenses.
Through her.
Pain ripped across her side as she twisted, the impact slamming into her hard enough to knock the breath from her lungs. Her grip on the former Luna shattered instantly, fingers slipping as her body staggered backward.
Stone cracked beneath her heels as she struggled to stay upright.
Too slow.
Too distracted.
The wolf hit the ground, rolled, and came back at her again without hesitation. Its movements were wrong—jerky, aggressive, uncontrolled. Not a warrior fighting with intent.
A weapon.
Selene forced herself to breathe, to center, to ignore the burning pain spreading across her ribs. Blood warmed her side, but she didn't look down.
Couldn't.
Because the wolf lunged again.
This time—
