CHAPTER 9

ELERA POV

I took one last look at the car. The windows were cracked. The roof had caved in. Metal groaned beneath the weight of the rogues clawing at it from every direction.

If I stayed inside, I would only die like a trapped animal.

Taking a slow breath, I reached into the compartment beside the driver's seat and wrapped my fingers around the hunting knife I always carried. Cold steel. The familiar weight steadied my trembling hand.

Without another second of hesitation, I pushed the door open and stepped out. The moment my feet touched the ground, every growl stopped.

The rogues turned toward me one after...