The clearing fell silent, the faint hum of energy buzzing through the cool night air as Mal prepared her spells and the wolves readied themselves for battle. The anticipation was suffocating, like waiting for a storm to strike. My heart hammered in my chest, the remnants of the demon’s shadow whispering threats in my mind.
Warwick would come. He always did. And when he did, we would end this-for good.
The first attack came suddenly, a ripple in the air followed by Warwick stepping into view. His grin was as cold and menacing as the night itself, his dark hair disheveled and his eyes glinting with cruelty. Around him, the shadows twisted unnaturally, feeding off his presence like loyal minions.
“Charming party you’ve assembled, Logan,” Warwick drawled, his voice mockingly casual as he strode forward. “But do you really think they can stop me? Stop her?” His gaze flicked to me, his smirk widening. “My beautiful vessel.”
I flinched, bile rising in my throat. “You’ll never win,” I spat, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands. “This ends tonight.”
“Oh, it will,” Warwick replied, his expression darkening. “But not how you think.”
Logan didn’t wait for another word. He lunged, his movements swift and feral, his claws slicing through the air. Warwick barely dodged the first attack, a shadowy shield forming around him just in time to block Logan’s next strike. The air shimmered with raw energy as their fight began, a deadly dance of power and fury.
“Keep him busy!” Mal shouted to the pack. “I need time to finish this spell!”
The wolves didn’t hesitate. They surged forward, their collective strength colliding with Warwick’s defenses. Snarls, growls, and the crash of magic echoed through the clearing as the pack fought with everything they had. Logan was at the center of it all, his every move precise and deadly, his golden eyes blazing with determination.
But Warwick wasn’t alone. The shadows surrounding him erupted, taking monstrous forms that lashed out at anyone who dared come close. One of them barreled toward me, its gaping maw ready to strike. I barely managed to duck, stumbling back as Mal sent a blast of light to destroy it.
“Stay with me!” she snapped, her hands glowing as she traced intricate runes in the air. “I’m almost there!”
The demon’s presence within me writhed, furious and restless. Its voice grew louder, taunting and insidious. You can’t stop this, child. You’re mine.
“No,” I whispered, summoning every ounce of strength I had left. “I’m not yours. Not ever.”
Logan’s roar split the air, drawing my attention. He had broken through Warwick’s defenses, his claws glowing with the same strange silver light as before. He moved with relentless precision, forcing Warwick back with a series of rapid strikes.
“You’ve lost,” Logan growled, his voice low and deadly. “This is for Audrey.”
Warwick laughed, a harsh, grating sound. “You think killing me will end this? The bond is already forged. She is mine-body and soul.”
“Not if I can help it,” Logan snarled.
With a final burst of speed, he struck. His claws tore through Warwick’s chest in one powerful slash, the glowing silver light burning as it connected. Warwick’s scream was inhuman, a sound of agony and defeat as his body crumbled into shadows and ash.
The shadows recoiled, shrieking as they dissipated into the air. For a brief moment, the clearing was silent, save for the heavy breaths of the pack.
“It’s over,” Mal said softly, though her expression remained wary. “But the bond-”
A sudden surge of pain tore through me, the demon’s presence lashing out in a desperate attempt to take control. I fell to my knees, clutching my chest as darkness coiled around my mind.
“No!” Logan was at my side in an instant, his arms steadying me as I struggled. “Audrey, stay with me. Fight it!”
“I-I can’t,” I gasped, tears streaming down my face. The demon’s laughter echoed in my skull, cruel and victorious.
“You can,” Logan said firmly, his hands cupping my face. “You’re stronger than this. You’ve always been stronger than this.”
The warmth in his voice broke through the chaos, anchoring me. I focused on him-his golden eyes, his determined expression, the steady thrum of his heartbeat against my skin.
“We’re in this together,” he said, his forehead resting against mine. “Let me in, Audrey. Let me help you.”
I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. He placed his hand over my heart, his eyes glowing as he channeled his energy into me. It felt like a spark of light breaking through the darkness, a steady flame growing brighter with each passing moment. My wolf stirred, rising to meet it, and together we pushed back against the demon’s grip.
Mal’s voice cut through the haze, sharp and commanding. She raised her hands, releasing a blinding beam of light that slammed into me. Pain erupted through my body, but it wasn’t the same as before. This pain was cleansing, burning away the last remnants of the demon’s hold.
With one final, ear-piercing shriek, the demon was torn from me. Its shadowy form writhed and twisted before dissolving into nothingness, leaving behind an overwhelming silence.
I collapsed, trembling and exhausted, but I was free.
“It’s gone,” Logan said, his voice soft and full of relief. “You did it, Audrey.”
He pulled me into his arms, holding me like I was something precious. I clung to him, my body shaking with a mix of exhaustion and emotion.
“You saved me,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
“No,” he said, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. “You saved yourself. I just reminded you of how strong you are.”
His words broke something inside me, and before I could stop myself, I leaned in, pressing my lips to his. The kiss was soft and full of unspoken promises, a testament to everything we had been through and everything we would face together.
When we finally pulled apart, he smiled-a real, genuine smile that made my heart feel lighter than it had in weeks. “We’ll get through this,” he said, his forehead resting against mine. “Together.”
For the first time in a long time, I believed him. The battle was over, but our story was just beginning.