As we entered the area, the flames flickered.

Everybody looked around. Like a sword, silence fell.

"Alpha? One fighter exhaled.

I made myself nod. "It's finished."

"His eyes—" was murmured.

"Don't," Edwin yelled.

Matilda remained at my side, near enough to anchor me with her warmth. In the back of my mind, I could sense Rhys giggling.

He said, "They're scared of you." It's palatable.

"Stop talking," I mumbled.

"He's talking again?" Matilda said, glancing at me. ...