The forest was silent after the explosion.
Leaves drifted slowly back to the ground, settling over the twisted roots and scorched earth where the Alpha Shade had been moments before. The only sound was Leo's breathing uneven, and far too fast for a warrior of his rank.
He held Amaya tightly in his arms, refusing to loosen his grip even as the moonlight filtered weakly through the canopy above.
Her power had erupted again.
Strong enough to obliterate an Alpha Shade.
Strong enough to shake the leyline beneath them.
Strong enough to terrify even him.
Leo's heart hammered painfully against his chest as he lowered his gaze to her face. Amaya's eyes were half-open, unfocused. Her breathing shallow. Her hands trembling.
"Amaya," he whispered, brushing her cheek with the back of his fingers. "Look at me."
She blinked slowly, her lashes fluttering as she returned to consciousness.
"…Leo…?"
His throat tightened.
Relief hit him so hard his knees nearly buckled.
