The massive serpent recoiled as the Fang's light pushed it back. Aurora's arms shook with the effort, sweat beading on her forehead as she channeled the pack leaders' power.
"It's working!" Elias shouted, his hand steady on her shoulder.
The chasm began to close, earth shifting back together like puzzle pieces finding their place. The Mother of Serpents hissed in fury, her giant body thrashing among the trees below.
"Keep going!" Thorin urged, his ancient voice rising above the chaos.
With one final burst of light, the Fang sealed the gateway. The serpent shrieked, then slithered away into the shadows. The cultists scattered, their unified purpose broken.
Aurora collapsed to her knees, the Fang dimming in her grip. Elias caught her before she hit the ground.
"We did it," she whispered, her voice raw.
"For now," Dante said grimly, staring at the forest where Juliet had vanished. "But she'll be back. And she won't be alone."
