CHAPTER 52

As the intense light from the sudden burst of energy started to dim, I found myself in the middle of a scene that could only be called destruction. The previously green and lively battlefield was now a damaged and barren area, with trees torn out and the ground burned. I blinked, trying to see more clearly, and was surprised to notice that my body was not steady, changing between my human and wolf forms.

Through the settling dust, I saw Ryder. He had been thrown back by the force of our collision, his dark energy dissipating around him like wisps of smoke. As I observed, he managed to stand up, obviously weakened but not yet beaten. His eyes locked with mine, filled with a fierce anger that made me shiver.

Nearby, I could hear the moans and soft cries of my group as they gradually woke up. Xander and Aiden were there too, their eyes wide with amazement and bewilderment as they looked at the changed surroundings. All I wanted was to rush to them, to check if they were alright, but I co