ARIEL’S POV

The wolf lunged, and I dodged.

It landed behind me with a heavy thud.

My pulse thundered. I spun around just in time to see it bare its fangs and charge again. This time, its claws raked across my shoulder, inflicting a deep wound.

I hissed in pain, stumbling back.

Anger and pain surged through me. Hot, wild, and consuming.

Then that strange energy rose again in my chest. It felt like liquid fire threading through my veins. My fingers tingled, my vision sharpened. I didn’t think. I moved. Just like that night with Alpha Viktor.

The wolf slowed. I saw something flicker in its eyes. Shock? Or...