Pain burned through my chest like fire lapping at bone. I stumbled across the forest floor, violet sparks twitching at my fingertips, remnants of a power I barely controlled. Caleb’s hand pressed into my shoulder, steadying me, but it couldn’t erase Jeanne’s cruel laughter or the memory of the child’s terrified eyes. I’d saved her, yes—but at what cost? My control had frayed, the hybrid energy inside me threatening to rip apart the barriers I’d fought to hold.

“Jas,” ...