The battle had already dragged the night to its edge.

Smoke and dust blurred the trees, and every breath burned like fire.

Darius stood with his shoulders squared, blood running down his arms, chest rising and falling hard. Across the shattered clearing, Kael was barely standing, dark energy leaking from the cracks in his skin.

Both Alphas were at their limit, but neither looked ready to stop.

Selene could barely feel her legs. Her hands trembled, the silver glow that had surrounded her now ...