The moment Rett released the attack, Cain moved without hesitation. With a guttural roar that shook the dungeon walls, his body shifted violently. Bones cracked and reshaped, muscles expanding as fur burst through his skin. In a blink, Cain stood between Althea and the incoming darkness, fully transformed into his Lycan form.

“NO!” Althea screamed.

The shadowed blade slammed into Cain’s chest instead.

The impact was devastating. Dark magic exploded on contact, tearing through fur and ...