Aurora raced toward the ridge where the real Elias waited, her heart pounding like thunder in her chest. Behind her, chaos erupted as fake-Kira screamed, her serpent form fully revealed in the violet light.
"Stop her!" Cora shrieked, pointing at Aurora.
Wolves lunged from all sides. Aurora dodged the first, ducked under the second, but the third caught her jacket. She spun, slashing with her silver dagger. The wolf yelped, releasing her.
The fake Elias—Marcus—blocked her path, his face twisted with rage. "You're not going anywhere."
A silver blur crashed into Marcus, sending him flying. The real Elias stood protectively in front of Aurora, his massive wolf form radiating power. One by one, more wolves appeared behind him—his loyal pack members, ready for battle.
"Aurora, run!" Tina shouted from the cabin doorway, violet energy crackling around her hands as she fought off the snake-woman.
