Ryder POV

My mate was winning.

I couldn't believe it. Didn't want to jinx it by thinking it too loud. But Jolie was actually holding her own against Thorne Blackwater. The morning sun caught the silver fire rippling through her fur, making her look like something out of ancient legends.

"Look at her." Cass stood beside me at the circle's edge, his knuckles white where he gripped the barrier. "She's not even trying to dodge anymore."

He was right. The old Jolie would've spent the whole fight ...