Rory's POV

The air was thick with smoke and dust, yet I could still smell the copper tang of blood. My own wings ached, heavy as stone, dragging behind me. Every breath burned, and every heartbeat felt like it might break my ribs.

And then I heard another voice. Smooth. Venomous. Certain.

“You can scream you’re not mine all you like,” Selene whispered, stepping through the haze, her eyes glowing silver. “But your power is tied to me. It always has been.”

I flinched ...