~Calix POV~
The temple's stone slab had slammed down like a guillotine, trapping Annalyn on the other side, and my wolf was losing it. The air was thick with old magic, the walls glowing with runes, and her heat scent was fading, drowned out by dust and stone. Lucas was pounding on the slab, Matteo cursing, and Ezra's runes were flaring as he scanned for a way through. Elias's map had led us to this damn temple, and now it was screwing us over.
"Annalyn!" I shouted, my claws scraping the stone. "You hear me?"
Her voice came, muffled but sharp. "I'm fine! Find another way!"
Lucas growled, slamming his fist again. "This is a trap. The council's playing us."
Ezra nodded, his voice tight. "These runes—triggered by her power. We need to find a side passage."
Matteo pointed to a dark corridor. "There. Looks like a maze."
I took the lead, my wolf itching to move. "Stay close. We're getting her back."
