*Inside the Temple, After the First Trial*

They stood where the illusions had left them. The stone altar still glowed faintly.

Crystal leaned into Ryder, her body visibly shaken from the vision’s hold. His arm held her, and though he said nothing, his golden eyes dared anyone to even look at her too long.

Darius’s jaw clenched, his wolf bristling beneath his skin. Crystal noticed Evren seemed tense than the rest, and the way his gaze flicked toward her.

Before she ...