Jackson's POV

The moment I left the witch bleeding in the dirt, I knew there would be consequences. She wasn’t dead, not yet but she wouldn’t be getting back on her feet anytime soon. Her power was unstable, flickering like a wounded animal’s breath. And while part of me enjoyed watching her squirm beneath the weight of my blade, another part knew she wouldn’t forgive this.

I didn’t care. I was done taking orders. The night air was heavy when I returned to my territory. The scent ...