The first scream split the night like a jagged tear in the fabric of the world.

It came from somewhere beyond the treeline — sharp, guttural, and cut short by the wet sound of something tearing. Draven’s head snapped toward it instantly, his molten-gold eyes blazing. One hand went to the hilt of the curved blade at his hip, the other motioning Elaria to stay behind him.

But Elaria didn’t stay behind. She felt the surge of power in the air — that strange, metallic taste of imminent ...