I felt it deep in my chest, in the bond. It wasn’t just testing us anymore. It was learning from us, studying how we moved, how we worked together. It wanted to find a weakness.
Asher tensed, his ears flicking back. “It’s thinking. This isn’t just a mindless attack. It’s… alive.”
I swallowed hard. “Then we have to be smarter.”
The shadow from earlier, the largest one, stepped forward again. It moved with a purpose now, cutting through the smaller forms that had been surrounding us. Its eyes were locked on Gage.
“No.” I whispered. “Not him. Not now.”
Gage’s energy flared, stronger, but fear crept in. “It’s too strong… I can’t—”
“Yes, you can!” I shouted, pressing my hands against his. “Feel the bond. Trust it. Trust me. Trust us.”
The golden light surged. I felt it respond to my hear
