Aria stood at the edge of the sanctum, her fingers trembling as she pressed her hands against the glowing air. The moonfire dome shimmered above the battlefield, stretching across Silverfang like a giant silver shield. But it flickered, now weakening.
Moira stood beside her, eyes scanning the sky. "Once the eclipse completes," she said softly, "the sanctuary's blessing will fade. The barrier will not hold any longer."
Aria nodded, her voice tight. "I can feel it. It is like it is pulling from my own magic now."
Rael standing behind them. "The cursed king is close. I can sense him."
Below, on the battlefield, the cursed shadow wolf king walked toward Silverfang. His footsteps were slow and deliberate, as if he owned the ground. Beside him, the Hollow One glided like smoke.
The cursed king paused. He sniffed the air. His glowing, moon-pit eyes widened. "She has changed… She is not just Selphira. She is… something more."
