The metallic vine hung in the air like a spear frozen mid strike.
It glowed in spiraling patterns that pulsed faster every time my chest rose and fell.
With each breath I took, it brightened.
With each heartbeat, it edged closer.
Jack stepped in front of me instantly, arm partially shifted, claws glinting. Beau moved behind me, anchoring me against him with one arm around my waist and the other braced across my stomach. Their auras flooded around me in a protective surge.
The ground rumbled again, low and hungry.
I barely had time to inhale before the vine lunged.
It moved like a snake of metal and roots, whipping forward in a blur of glowing silver. I felt the air shift as it sliced toward me, aiming for my torso with terrifying precision.
Jack snarled and met it midair.
His claw
