The mist around her shifted.
The shadows that remained began pulling back toward her, retreating through the branches like smoke drawn toward a fire.
Nova noticed immediately.
“They’re falling back!”
“Keep pushing!” Lady Limora shouted.
Another surge of magic tore through the clearing.
The remaining shadows scattered.
One by one, they slipped into the mist behind the Priestess.
The battle slowed.
Then stopped.
Heavy breathing filled the clearing.
Leaves drifted down through the broken branches overhead.
For the first time in what felt like hours, the air stopped vibrating with magic.
Keegan stood near the center of the clearing, chest heaving as he shook the last fragments of shadow mist from his fur.
Around him, the people of Stonewick slowly lowered their weapons.
Nova stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the Priestess.
“You’re done here.”
The Priestess didn’t answer.
Her gaze moved slowly across the clearing, calculating.
Over the witches.
The orcs.
The shifters.
Then she looked at me.
The mark on my shoulder pulsed once more.
Soft.
Satisfied.
Her smile returned.
And then—
Keegan turned.
Not toward the Priestess.
