Rebecca

I kept watching them as two wolves tried to break ranks and drag him away.

Maximus lifted his hand and the fire rose in a straight column between them and us. It did not touch them. It did not move toward them. It stood like a wall long enough for them to feel the heat on their faces and think very clear thoughts about distance. They backed off, paws scuffing, ears flat.

Xander gasped and coughed. He rolled to his side. He pushed up on one elbow. His lips pulled ...