The rooftop was alive with quiet energy.Magic hummed through the air, blending with the low growl of shifter power.The scent of salt, ink, and adrenaline lingered around them.Brielle paced, rubbing her arms against the chill, trying to make sense of everything.
“You’re serious?”she asked, turning toward Ursula, Willow, and Saffie.“You think I’m a lioness?Me?I’m not a shifter.I don’t even like cats.”
Hunter’s mouth twitched, his tone low and teasing.“You hiss like one.”
She shot him a glare, but it didn’t stick.Her pulse was hammering too fast for humor.“You think this is what the Goddess meant?That my strength is an animal?”
Ursula’s gaze softened.“Think about it, B.The Goddess said to find the strength within.What if that strength isn’t just your magic—it’s your animal spirit trying to break free?”
Saffie nodded.“She called you the bridge between two worlds.Witch and shifter.It makes perfect sense.”
Lennox moved closer, folding his arms.“Then let’s stop overthinking and do what we do best—figure it out together.”
Willow added, “If the Goddess chose this path, the only thing left is to bring it forward.So, how do we do that?”
Ursula looked at Brielle, her voice calm but firm.“We hold the circle.”
Hunter frowned.“And we just ...stand here and watch?”
“Not exactly,” Ursula said, her eyes narrowing at him.“You’ll guard the circle.The rest of you,” she motioned to the men gathered, ”form the outer line.No one crosses it but us.If Caleb tries again, you meet him before he gets within striking distance.”
Jacob gripped the handle of the broadsword he swung with deadly ease, the sound cutting through the quiet.“Copy that.”
Isaac nodded, his voice low.“If he shows, he won’t reach her.He won’t reach any of you.”
Brielle felt the weight of all of them—their strength, their faith—and her fear started to settle into determination.“All right,” she said.“Let’s do this.”
The rooftop lights dimmed as if sensing the shift.The moonlight brightened, washing them all in silver.The witches moved into position, forming a circle around Brielle.Hunter and Lennox stood close behind her, the faint rumble of their growls vibrating through her spine.
Saffie spoke first, her voice low but steady.“The four of us—each one represents direction and time.Dawn and East for me.Dusk and West for Willow.Noon and South for Ursula.Midnight and North for you, Brielle.You’re the balance point between the world of light and shadow.”
Brielle swallowed hard.“So, no pressure.”
Hunter murmured behind her, “You’ve got this, sweetheart.”
Lennox brushed his hand against her shoulder, quiet but sure.“We’re right here.”
Saffie faced the horizon, her voice rising with purpose.“I call upon the East, the Dawn, and the promise of renewal.Goddess of balance, bring forth the hidden.Let her heart awaken.”
Willow turned to the west, her words carrying warmth and twilight.“I call upon the West, the Dusk, where endings make way for beginnings.Power bound by time and blood, reveal your truth.”
Ursula lifted her gaze to the southern sky, her voice deep and commanding.“I call upon the South, the noonday blaze, the fire that tempers and strengthens.Strength within, rise from shadow.Let the lioness wake.”
The energy between them surged, the air thickening with magic.Brielle’s skin prickled as golden sparks began to crawl along her arms.
Hunter and Lennox watched in tense silence.The air shimmered, vibrating like the moment before lightning struck.Liam, Nolan, Jacob, and Isaac fanned out, weapons and claws ready, forming a living wall around the circle.From the lower terrace came the soft shuffle of movement—Landon, Braydon, and Colt, still pale but standing, climbed the stairs and joined them, positioning themselves shoulder to shoulder with the others.Even weakened, the lions’ presence added another layer of power to the air, their golden eyes catching the light as they took up guard without a word.
Brielle raised her arms, her voice trembling but sure.“I call to the fire in my soul, to the storm beneath my skin.Show me who I am.Show me what I was meant to be!”
The rooftop exploded with light.
Wind whipped through their hair.The wards flared gold and crimson, spiraling upward like living flame.Brielle’s knees hit the ground as a roar ripped from her throat—deep, primal, and utterly feral.Hunter dropped beside her instantly, his hand finding hers, even as the sound shook the city.
The circle of witches held fast, their magic anchoring her while Hunter’s and Lennox’s growls joined hers, harmonizing with her power.Her vision blurred—city skyline fading into endless savannah.A lioness stared back at her through the haze, eyes glowing gold.
I am you,the creature whispered, fierce and steady.And you are me.
Brielle reached out, her voice breaking.“Then let’s finish this.Together.”