ia's

t it seemed far away, like I was teetering on the brink of death. Th

firm, authoritative vo

linked slowly. "Who are yo

t was dangerous, shrewd, and knowing. She introduced her

uble concentrating. "What

iting for ages because of the curse that runs through your family. Cassia, you are t

, although her words made no sen

eyond their control. It's been lying dormant for generations, wai

k my head. "I

dying, Cassia, is what counts. You need to make an agreement with me if you

earing her comments

inner strength and rescue your life. But you have to fulfill your bloodline's

away, but my heart was racing. "W

nd piercing. "To put it mild

but what could I do? After all that had been

mumbled, "I'll do i

d. She said, "Good," with an odd echo in her voice. But keep in mind that the

in. I yelled because I felt like my veins were burning.

y part of my body took the place of the anguish. I gently sat up and looked around. Even though the

ere the dagger had pierced my side and

She appeared at ease, almost bored, as though sa

stood unsteadily. I flexed my finge

our bloodline's power." Your wolf is now stronger, quicker, and m

n my chest as I turned to face her

t, but it has restrictions. You will have to prove yourself

a knot in my st

s rogues are gaining ground and won't give up until they've com

n to race. "I

you can." "This authority isn't merely symb

the strength pumping through my veins as I tightened my hands

l right. Let's chec

er. My senses were keener than ever when I turned. The a

yn and remarked,

"Then move and

ickly and fluidly than I ever imagined. As I ran

ness as they pursued me. I sensed their desire for blo

hem. I mumbled, my heart racing, "Come on.

at me. I spun around and slammed my hand into his side as

g into his shoulders as I jumped into the air, landing

s paused, their sel

teeth and yelled. "I

y regrouped for

e. My attacks were strong, my movements accurate. The rogues

l entered the air just when I thought it was fini

na

"Amazing," he murmured, his tone brimming with derision. "Cas

Even though I was terrified, I said, "I'

his belt, he grinned.

uld respond. I kept hearing Evelyn say, "Trust the power."