Chapter 127

I stood there, panting, my heart pounding in my chest as the last remnants of Emily's dark energy dissolved into the air. The clearing was silent now, the once-intense battle replaced by a quiet calm that felt almost unnatural. My hand still trembled, the surge of power I had unleashed only moments ago leaving me feeling both drained and electrified.

James stood beside me, his eyes wide as he stared at the space where Emily had just been. His face was a mixture of awe, relief, and something else—something deeper. I wasn't sure what it was, but I could feel the connection between us humming like a live wire, stronger than it had ever been.

"I—" I started, but the words caught in my throat. I didn't know what to say. Didn't know how to explain what had just happened or how I'd found the strength to do what I did. My wolf, though quieter now, still whispered within me, urging me toward James. Toward the safety and certainty that he brought.