Chapter 55

Griff’s screams rang through my ears, turning every drop of blood in my veins to icy sludge. The flames surrounding his body burned brighter than any fire pit, looking like they were powered by gas.

I dropped to my knees, tore off my jacket and placed the fabric over his face, hoping to put out the fire. Nothing happened. There was no burn, no heat, nothing catching alight. The flames had to be some kind of light magic or an illusion that made Griff believe he was under attack.

“Stop.” Griff flailed his arms and yelled, “Cathwulf, no.”

“Am I hurting you?” I yanked off the jacket.

Hades' maniacal laughter carried through the wards. I turned to the wretched bastard, who stood at the other side of the checkpoint, pretending he could see into Shifter City. Captain Caria had already gone, replaced by an entourage of enforcers in black armor whose vehicles blocked the road. They were a blight on the beautiful parkland that surrounded us, but none of them showed any sign of moving.

I clenche