ripped from his side, soaking his torn shirt, but he barely felt the pain, his silver eyes locked on Amara. Her glow flared, a starlight shield around

ate, stolen her role, and her green eyes, raw with guilt, tore at him. Was she protecting them, or hiding somet

was thick with ozone and magic, runes pulsing like heartbeats, and Lira's whimper cut through him, smal

the air. The creature reeled, its screech rattling his bones, and Lucien's jaw tightened. That glow,C

e you, Amara? You killed for them...for me? Tell me everything!" His voice was raw, a lover's

omething terrible, Lucien. I couldn't let it take them." Her green eyes met his, guilt a

is claws glinting as the creature c

ore lies!" He stepped closer, his wolf urging him to claim

scaring Lira. I saw you, hurting people. Blood everywhere. Are you gonna hurt us?" Lucien froze, his heart

ite the pain, his silver eyes level wi

u're my blood, my pack. You, L

ering, and Lucien hated it, the wei

. "The bad thing wants me, Father. It's in my head." Lucien's blood ran cold, her words,Father,hitt

Amara pulled her back, her glow flaring protectively. "Amara, let me help," he said, standing

not just your heirs, Lucien. They're... dangerous. Lira's power, it's..." Lira gasped, her s

's the

one." Amara's face paled, her breath hitching, and Lucien's gut twisted. L

it, baby. It's okay. You're okay." Lira's eyes glistened, tears falling, and she sobbed, "I'm sorr

lunged again. He tackled it, claws tearing, blood pooling on the stone, his side burning. "What's

y, Lucien. Your bloodline. The Oracle made them for it. I ran to stop it." The words hit like a fist, a

y?" He grabbed her arm, gentle but firm, his wolf needing her to explain, to make it ri

. Kael screamed, "It's not alone!" and Soren whispered, "They're here," his voice chilling. The air grew cold, shadows swirli

re scaring them!" Soren's gray eyes blinked, the spirit fading, but the tunnel shook, dirt ra

ve. Now." He grabbed Amara's hand, pulling her and the triplets toward a side passage, his heart pound

dows, his scars twisting in the runes' dim glow, his eyes blazing

ng to Lira, whose green eyes flickere

neeling, his voice fierce but gent

t, little one." Lira's eyes cleared, green and tearful,

her voice raw. "She's not yours!" She pushed the triplets behind her, h

ckling. "The Oracle's claimed her. You're too late." The creature charged again, an

"Get them out!" Amara hesitated, her green eyes locked on his fear and something soft

We can't leave him!" Lucien's heart swelled, Kael's words a spark in the d

o a cavern, a massive crystal glowing at its center, its light pulsing like a heartbeat,the underworld's heart.

crystal's glow cast shadows, and Lira's eyes flickered red again, her small voice w