The shadow surged forward, faster than my mind could process. My threads of magic flared violently, lashing out in every direction, trying to anchor the Mirror of Moons and hold the pulse steady. The forest itself seemed to tremble with its approach, every leaf and branch quivering as though the world feared what was coming. Even the air felt thick, heavy with an unnatural chill that made my skin prickle and my lungs burn with effort.
Hazel’s voice cut through the chaos. “Sage, it’s too fast! You can’t hold it alone!”
“I can!” I shouted back, though my throat was tight. My hands glowed with energy, blue threads lashing outward, trying to form a protective barrier around the Mirror. Sparks of light shot through the air, illuminating the corrupted wolves crouched around Jesse. They froze,
