Hayley’s POV

The night was full of the sound and smell of battle, but there was an undercurrent to it. The artifact throbbed in my hands, a lively power forming the shield that kept rogue after unyielding rogue at bay over and over. I could feel it flowing through me, embracing me with power, shielding me, and making my sister strong.

Aiden fought at my back; his beautiful fluid, lanky limbs struck hard and fast with a savage force that came from deep within him. Had kept me anchored as the storm unfurled, our thread becoming a rope to climb up by.

"Aiden, watch out!" I called, knocking aside a...