LYRA VALORICThe first rogue lunged without warning.

There was no battle cry, no dramatic pause. Just the snap of twigs underfoot and a blur of movement tearing through the trees straight toward us. Instinct took over before fear could root me in place.

“Lucian!” I shouted.

He moved faster than I thought possible for someone so badly injured. His body shifted in front of mine, broad shoulders blocking my view as he met the attack head on. The sound of impact was sickening. Bone against bone. ...