POV: Seraphina

Training kicked in before conscious thought. Years of tactical preparation, of leading packs through conflicts, of calculating advantages and weaknesses. My mind shifted into command mode automatically.

"Snipers to the rooftops!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the panic. "Civilians to the underground shelters. Warriors form defensive perimeters. Move!"

Through the bond with Maya, I felt her consciousness snap alongside mine. Two leaders thinking as one, our ...