But before they could move, a figure stepped into the clearing behind the wolves.
Hilda, her red robes billowing despite the lack of wind, her face serene as if she were merely out for an evening stroll.
"Did you really think it would be that easy?" she asked, her voice carrying clearly across the space. "I have invested a considerable amount of time and resources in acquiring you. I'm not about to let you simply walk away."
She made a casual gesture, and the wolves began to advance, their movements coordinated and predatory.
Rena gathered what power she could, but she was already exhausted. One more major working might kill her. Beside her, Baren's body was changing—scales erupting along his arms and neck, his frame expanding, his face elongating. The transformation was agonizing to watch, and she knew it was even worse to experience.
"Go," he managed through a mouth that was becoming more snout than human. "I'll... hold them..."
"I'm not leaving you!"
