Page 97 of Rafe

“Do not be afraid, wolf! Rejoice!” Ilsbeth cried out. “For you are made whole!”

“Rafe!” Tears streamed down Skylar’s cheeks. Her heart pounded against her ribs as he began to levitate. Motionless, ablaze, Rafe’s body hovered nearly a foot off the ground.

“Stop!” Skylar cried, attempting to go to him.

“He’s goin’ to be okay. Hold on…hold on…” Greyson looked to Ilsbeth who sliced open her wrist. “Holy shit.”

Blood sprayed up into the air, dousing the flames. Rafe’s body slammed onto the ground with a thud. A plume of smoke exploded into the air, creating a thick haze.

“Rafe!” Skylar screamed as she wrenched her body from Greyson’s grip.

She rushed toward the smoke, coughing as she searched for him. Greyson’s strong hand clasped her arm, tugging her backwards yet again.

“No! Let me go,” she protested.

“It’s okay,” Greyson assured her.

“Rafe!” Skylar called to him, tears streaming down her face.

“Miss Hemlock.” Ilsbeth smiled and gestured to the huge grey wolf. “It is done.”

As he came into view, time stopped. Skylar tugged out of Greyson’s grip, stunned to see the majestic creature standing before her.

She glanced at the High Priestess who wore a confident expression, pleased with her spell. “Are you sure? He’s free?”

“I’m never wrong.” Ilsbeth looked to the near full sun.

“The bond? It’s broken?” Tears streamed down her face.

“Indeed. I present to you, the Alpha.” Ilsbeth smiled, her eyes bright with pride.

Skylar studied the High Priestess, who radiated arrogance. She couldn’t help but wonder if the witch truly cared for Rafe or simply celebrated the impending death of her sister.

On the contrary, Greyson wore a somber expression, worry brewing in his eyes. It was in that moment Skylar sensed the vampire’s doubt. Did he question Rafe’s ability to kill Zyaire? Or the prophecy?

Skylar resisted the urge to go to Rafe, cautious, questioning the dark magick that the witch wielded. Was he the same person? Or had she taken magick that didn’t belong to her?

The sky darkened, unleashing a torrent of rain. Cackling laughter echoed in the distance setting her senses on alert.

“Did you hear that?” Skylar called to Greyson, who looked to the heavens.

“Let’s get out of here.” Greyson stepped toward her, but she stepped back out of his reach.

“No!” Skylar shook her head. “I’m not leaving Rafe.”

Skylar startled as the born-again Alpha released a menacing growl. He shook off the rain. Lightning flashed across the sky, and the resplendent wolf took off running into the woods.

“My sister comes! We must go!” Ilsbeth turned on her heels and set forth toward her home, leaving the others behind.

“Something’s not right here,” Dominique mumbled under her breath as she turned and followed the witch.

“She’s here,” Thorn whispered.

“It’s time to go, love,” Greyson urged as the impending evil descended upon them.

Skylar screamed at the sight of the ominous apparition swirling above in the sky. Zyaire.

Darkness closed in on Skylar, the demonic energy crawling over her skin. Frozen with fear, she was helpless to fight as Greyson set his hand on her shoulder and she disappeared.