POV: Lyra

Kael grabbed my arm.

I spun and drove my fist into his throat.

He staggered back with a gasp. His warriors lunged. Jaden intercepted one. Vara blocked another.

The great hall erupted.

---

I did not shift.

I did not need to.

I caught the first warrior by the collar and threw him into the wall. The second came at me with a blade. I caught his wrist and twisted until I heard the bone crack. He screamed and dropped.

Kael was on his knees with his hand pressed to his throat.

"Stop," he choked.

The fighting paused.

I stood over him with my hands still raised and...