“Now!” Eryx shouted.
I pushed, channeling every ounce of my power through the relics, letting it flare outward like a wave. The energy slammed into Rafe, knocking him back, scattering shadows in every direction. Gage and Arlo reinforced the push, energy colliding against energy, until the last tendrils of darkness shrieked and dissipated.
The forest fell silent. Moonlight spilled over broken branches and scattered leaves. The relics lay still, safe. I collapsed to the ground, trembling, chest heaving.
Asher gathered me in his arms, holding me tight. “You did it.” He whispered. “You held it together.”
I tried to nod, but my energy was spent. My vision was blurred, and every muscle ached. “It’s… not over.” I said hoarsely. “He’ll come back.”
“I know.” Eryx said, stepping forward, sweat
