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A roar ripped through the clearing.

Unleashed, the Wendigo rose, growing taller, broader, hooves hammering the ground, claws lengthening into thin blades. Fangs bared, six eyes glowing orange, a regenerating snake head growing from its tail, the beast charged Lyonesse. With a curse, the queen retreated. Anckar rallied the front line, and swords drawn, shields at the ready, defended as the monster attacked.

The Wendigo clawed through the middle guards.

Electi warriors screamed in pain. Severed limbs flew into the air. Blood splattered across green grass. A severed head rolled across the ground toward his foot. Sidestepping the bloody skull, Westvane spun his swords. Maybe he should join the fight. Help the Wendigo. Witness the carnage up close. Watch the beast run free in the Parkland, just for a minute or —

A thud sounded behind him.

“Westvane!”

His attention snapped toward his cabin.

Grappling with Lyonesse’s watch dog, Truly elbowed Priestly in the ribs. The male grunted, but hung on. Twisting his hand in her hair, he dragged her backward.

Westvane bared his teeth and, without thought, unfurled his wings. An updraft lifted him. Feathers carried him. He landed with a thump behind Priestly.

The childhood friend swung around.

Golden eyes met his black ones.

Westvane reabsorbed his blades. Black flames scorched over his palms. He ignored the discomfort and focused on the threat. He didn’t need his swords. Killing Priestly with bare hands would be much more satisfying.

Using Truly as a human shield, Priestly dragged her behind the butcher block. “Don’t. Stay back, Westvane. Listen to me. I’m on your —”

Truly jerked her head. The back of her skull slammed into Priestly’s nose.

He grunted. His grip went slack.

She slipped loose and, hitting one knee, spun. The white points of her knuckles flashed. Without hesitation, she punched Priestly in the groin. His former friend made a high-pitched noise and doubled over.

Vaulting over the table, Westvane unleashed an uppercut beneath his chin. Priestly’s head snapped back. Blood splashed across his face. Folding like a tent, the Electi hit the ground, wings bent at odd angles, arms flung wide.

A bright light flashed his periphery as Truly opened a door.

The Wendigo roared again.

More screams of agony from the queen’s guard.

He hit Priestly again — and again — putting power into each punch.

“Leave him.” Fisting her hand in his coat, Truly yanked him sideways. “Let’s go.”

“I’m not done killing him.”

“Some other time,” she yelled over her shoulder, running toward the open door.

Westvane wanted to argue, but resisted the urge. He considered himself a fast learner. Arguing with Truly never ended well for him. So, instead of ripping Priestly’s face off, Westvane dropped his opponent, leaving him where he lay.

He must live to fight another day.

Truly kept reminding him of that, so even though it went against the grain, Westvane abandoned the fight, listening to the Wendigo roar and warriors scream, and followed the Door Master out of Azlandia, back to Earth Realm.

* * *

Wrapped in healing energy,Truly traversed theEcotone. Her flight wasn’t wild like the first time. She walked across instead, gliding through warm mist. Gentle breaths brushed her skin, curling over her shoulders, touching her with a purity so fresh, she became wonderstruck. Allowing the awe to carry her away, she paused a beat.

Water lapped against faraway shores. Purple mountains rose beyond miles of pristine forest, vibrant grasslands and…