Chapter 71Serena Pov

The first scream came at dawn.

It cut through Nightshade like a blade, sharp enough to wake even the dead.

I was already on my feet before the second cry echoed across the courtyard, Leo clutched tight against my chest as Ava surged awake beneath my skin, all teeth and instinct.

Attack, she snarled.

The wards flared.

Silver light rippled across the fortress walls, pulsing once — twice — then stabilizing. That alone told me everything I needed to know.

This wasn’t a ...