Emma's POV

　　My gaze slowly swept across the clearing, taking in the aftermath of the battle. The Nightshade guards, who had been attacking them just moments before, were now lying on the ground, unconscious but alive. I saw Bennett and Hunter standing over us, their chests heaving with exhaustion, their eyes still blazing with a fierce inner light.

　　Parker, still weak from his injuries, was watching me with a gentle smile. "Are you okay, Emma?" he whispered, his ...