The first strike hit before I even had time to blink. Shadows lunged from all sides, moving faster than my eyes could track. My mark flared violently, responding instinctively, and a pulse of white-hot energy burst from my body. Wolves screeched, thrown backward by the force.
Kaiden moved like lightning, a blur of controlled power, his gray eyes locked on every threat. He deflected a strike with a flick of his hand, sending a rogue wolf crashing into a tree. The proximity of him—strong, unwavering—sent a shiver down my spine, a mixture of fear and something more dangerous: desire.
Lucien's wards lit up the fog, forming glowing barriers that blocked some of the incoming predators. "They're testing you," he shouted over the chaos. "Every strike, every move—they're learning your limits!"
I clenched my fists, energy snapping along my arms. "Then they'll learn faster than they expect!" I shouted, unleashing a surge of power that sent the nearest wolves flying. My mark glowed brighter than ever, arcs of light dancing like electricity over my skin.
Kaiden's eyes softened just for a heartbeat when they met mine. "Careful," he warned, voice low but intense. "Don't overextend… not yet."
I swallowed, adrenaline and something else mixing in my chest. "I'm not a child to be protected," I shot back, energy pulsing dangerously.
He smirked, sharp and teasing, yet lethal. "I know. And that's what makes this so… exciting." His words hit me like a lightning strike. My heart hammered, not just from the fight, but from the dangerous tension between us.
The shadow figure stepped forward again, its red eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "So much energy… so much defiance. Impressive."
Kaiden's hand shot out, energy slicing through the air, forcing the figure back. "Enough games," he growled, a protective dominance rolling off him.
The figure's smile twisted, sharp and predatory. "You're fast. Strong. But the little Luna…" Its gaze locked on me, sharp as a blade, "she's the prize. And I always get what I want."
My chest tightened, the words fueling a fire deep inside me. "Not if I can help it."
White light surged again from my mark, spreading outward in a blinding pulse. Wolves screeched and scattered, the fog itself shimmering from the energy. But the shadow figure only chuckled, moving as if untouched by the blast.
Kaiden's energy flared, intertwining with mine in a protective cage, a surge of raw power that pushed the enemies back. His gray eyes softened again, just slightly. "Stay close," he said. "I won't let them touch you."
I met his gaze, heart hammering, breathing uneven. "I don't need saving," I said, but my pulse betrayed me.
The shadow figure retreated slightly, but its voice lingered in the fog: "This isn't over… little Luna. And neither of your protectors will save you next time."
Lucien's voice snapped me back to reality. "They're regrouping. We need to move—now!"
Kaiden's hand brushed mine briefly, tense and commanding. "Then let's make sure they regret ever coming."
I nodded, chest tight with anticipation, energy flaring, as we surged forward into the mist, ready for the next wave of the hunt.
The battle had only just begun.