Betty's POV.

The runes surrounding Alpha Damien glowed brighter in soft gold at first, then pulsing like a heartbeat, syncing with his own.

Magic gathered thick in the air. The veil between realms hummed.

Outside, the shouting turned into growls, then snarls, then.

BOOM.

The doors of the shrine slammed open.

Cold air rushed in.

I flinched, losing focus again.

Wolves poured into the sacred space.

Some in partial shifts, teeth bared, eyes blazing with uncertainty and fear. The peaceful ...