_Elian moved swiftly, pushing Mia and Alex toward a narrow back exit as the hunters closed in. "We can't outrun them here. We need to move—now."_
Alex grabbed Mia's hand. "They'll take you to the friends. It's a trap, but we can use it."
Mia's heart pounded. "Leah… where are they?"
Elian's face tightened. "They're at the old textile mill on the outskirts. Follow me. You'll need your power."
They slipped into the rainy night, Elian leading them through alleys and abandoned streets. The mill loomed ahead, windows boarded, shadows swirling like living things. Alex paused at the edge of the lot.
"Mia, focus. You're tied to them. Use it to find Leah."
Mia closed her eyes, the crescent charm on her neck burning. Visions flashed—her friends bound, gagged, fear in their eyes. A hooded figure stood over them, whispering, _"Alden blood for the reset."_
She opened her eyes, power surging like a crackle in her veins. "They're inside. They're…"
A scream cut through the air. Leah.
Mia lunged forward, rage and fear igniting. The shadows around her twisted, and a wild burst of energy shot out—windows shattered, doors flew open. The hunters paused, caught off guard.
Alex grabbed her shoulder. "Control it, Mia!"
But it was too late. The hooded figure dragged Leah out, a knife gleaming. "You're too late, Alden. The ritual needs fuel."
Mia's power surged again, raw and wild. The figure raised the knife—and in a flash of defiance, Mia's vision narrowed. The world slowed.
_Leah's eyes met hers. A nod._
The knife plunged. A scream tore from Mia.
The world went dark. The power exploded.
When Mia's vision returned, the hunters were scattering, bodies on the ground. Leah lay still, eyes frozen. Alex was holding her, shouting something distant.
Elian appeared, face grim. "You did it. But the cost…"
Mia stumbled forward, numb. _Leah.