Chapter 1587

Emma shoved forward, intercepting one with a roar. Their bodies collided and the shadow split apart like fog, only to reform behind her. Grace cried out as another lunged toward Natalie, but Stella tackled it mid-air, sending them both to the ground.

Jude stood slowly, eyes locked on the woman.

"You don't control it," he said. "You lost it."

She smiled. "No. I became it."

And then she stepped down from the altar.

Straight toward him.

None of the others could move. The shadows held them at bay.

She came close - close enough that he could smell her - earth and smoke and something ancient. Her hand reached for his chest. He didn't stop her. Her fingers brushed the mark - and gasped.

"You've already begun," she whispered.

"I have."

"But you don't understand what it means ."

Jude grabbed her wrist.

Golden light flared from his skin, engulfing hers.

She screamed.

The shadows shattered.