“Die with me!”

Shadow-Lyla’s scream was raw, jagged, as she launched forward, silver-black flames sparking off her blade. The air between them split, the dreamscape trembling under the weight of their clash.

Lyla caught the strike, steel-on-steel ringing like thunder. “I don’t die here,” she growled, shoving back.

Shadow-Lyla snarled, pressing closer, their faces inches apart. “Then I’ll drag Eli down instead.”

The words lit something primal inside Lyla. Her fire ...