_Lisa’s POV_
The air tasted like metal and ash. My chest felt like a drum. My legs would not stop shaking.
Fenric stood there like a shadow made real. He smiled as if he liked the sight of our fear.
“So,” he said softly. His voice rolled across the clearing. “You managed to come back. I did not expect this.”
My throat worked. I wanted to scream at him. I wanted to run to Rylan. But I needed to be brave and face him. I had to find a way to stop him.
Sierra’s voice pressed cold and fierce against my mind. He’s powerful. We need to be careful.
Fenric walked forward like he owned the night. The warlocks behind him parted like reeds. They smiled like they were hungry.
“You freed those little lights,” he said. His voice was almost proud. “You loosened their chains. You are a clever girl
