The fight escalated quickly.
Darius struck with lethal precision, faster than any human—or wolf—I'd ever seen. Lucien intercepted, but each strike sent tremors through the ground.
"Selene!" Lucien barked. "Focus your mark! Don't hold back!"
I tried. I closed my eyes, letting the ancient energy inside respond to danger. My mark pulsed violently, then… exploded.
White-hot energy erupted in a radius, pushing Darius and his soldiers back. Trees splintered, rocks flew, wind screamed.
Kaiden stepped forward, moving through the chaos effortlessly. His presence grounded my power. The mark calmed slightly, responding to him.
I realized something terrifying—and thrilling. My energy was strongest when Kaiden was near.
"Too strong…" Lucien muttered, glancing at Kaiden. "She can't sustain this."
Kaiden ignored him. "She will. If she trusts me."
My body shivered, chest pounding. I didn't fully understand what was happening—but I knew this: my mark was no longer just reactive. It could fight, control, and defend. And it craved him.
Darius growled, recovering from the blast. "Impressive. But it won't save you forever."
I stepped forward, mark flaring again. "It won't be me they defeat."
Lucien glanced at me, eyes wide. "Careful… your energy is almost uncontrollable."
I nodded, barely breathing.
Kaiden's voice was low, commanding. "Channel it. Focus on survival—and on what matters to you."
I understood. Not just survival… power and choice.