SPECIAL CHAPTER NINE: OPHELIA COTTONWOOD

Seeking nature's aid to locate Eva Dumont proved a grave misstep. It robbed us of the element of surprise, granting that vile monster precious time to prepare.

As the first gunshot rang out, my gaze locked onto Camille, undoubtedly the intended target. I stood frozen, unable to summon my magic or even move a muscle.

Then, in a heartbeat, the Lycan King's Beta threw himself into the bullet's path, shielding Camille from certain death. Horror gripped me as ...