Grace POV

Time seems to slow as the Shadow Alpha barrels toward me, his massive form blocking out everything else. I can see every detail—the way his black fur ripples with dark energy, the murderous intent burning in those red eyes, the corrupted power radiating from him in waves.

My hand goes instinctively to my stomach, feeling the life growing there. My child. Ethan's child. The future we've fought so hard to protect.

And I realize something fundamental: ...