~Ezra POV~
The temple sacrifice had stabilized Annalyn's baby but stirred up Elias's old council allies, their Visaya runes glowing in the highlands fog as we braced for a fight. My runes were buzzing, the Moon Alpha's voice whispering warnings of betrayal, while Annalyn clutched the focus stone, her pregnancy making her wince but her eyes sharp.
Lucas checked his weapons, Calix twirled his knife, and Matteo tapped his laptop, tracking enemy signals. Mara stood close, their Visaya runes dim but steady, while Russo smirked from his chained spot, and Kael and Rorik stayed quiet. The council's forces were closing in, and we had to battle to protect our win.
"Council's awake, huh?" I said, my runes flaring as I scanned the temple's edge. "We hit them hard—keep them off Annalyn."
Annalyn gripped the stone, her voice fierce. "No one's touching my baby. Let's do this."
Lucas growled, claws out. "They want a fight? They get one."
