The sky cracked open with thunder as the winds howled through the mountain trees, carrying with it the scent of blood and something far older—something wrong. Aria stood frozen at the entrance of the Moonstone sanctuary, Rowan trembling in her arms, his skin burning hot beneath her fingertips. The black veins crawling up his neck pulsed violently, as though something inside him fought to break free.

"Rowan!" she cried, pressing her palm against his chest. His heartbeat was erratic, fading ...