The wombfire writhed around me like a living storm. Heat licked up my throat until even my breath came out as smoke.

The Huntress smiled through the flames, her pale face glowing with unholy delight. My strike hadn’t driven her back; it had drawn her closer.

Kael’s voice cut through the roar.

“Ardyn! Look at me. Not her. Me.”

But the bond between us wavered. His voice sounded far away, thin against the fire that screamed for release.

She stepped forward, utterly unafraid, her bare ...