Aria barely had time to dodge as Elena's shadow-forged blade sliced through the air where her heart had been a second before. Sparks exploded as it struck the stone wall behind her, leaving a smoking gouge.

"Elena!" she screamed. "Stop! It's me—Aria!"

But there was no recognition in Elena's glowing violet eyes. Just cold purpose.

She turned and lunged again.

Aria rolled and shifted mid-air, her spirit wolf bursting forth in a flash of silver. Her claws raked across the floor as she landed, ...