ECHOES OF A BROKEN BOND

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e fragments and dirt rained down. In a desperate attempt to stop my descent, I gripped the ground w

ot, violent pain erupted through my ribcage. Gasping for air, I lay motionless for

also fallen into the abyss. The hollow chamber was fille

chilly wall. My vision became hazy. My chest twisted li

had tracked my pack through the crumbling ground. With fear in thei

blood dripping from my lip. I gritted my teeth a

w light, its fangs shone brightly. I lowered myself into

, the wolf fled. I didn't stop. One more lunged towa

ight. I stumbled, my eyes racing. Every mo

edge of the hole above. They observed me f

help me!" I sobbed. My voice sounded like stone.

d down next to me. Lifting his sword, he slashed

y surrounded me in a circle. Despite their weak lin

Through chilly air, my blade sang. Blades clashed, warr

lden fur. I had never seen one so big. Inches from m

. The force pushed me back. My arms ached.

arm shook. The wolves squatted, poised

the edge. To beckon me back, he held up his ha

nto the beast's eyes. I did this for my pac

pierced the atmosphere. At my feet, it fe

kness. They broke their will. Above, the pack le

ed and gripped my wound. I swayed as my vision becam

applied pressure to the gushing gash with trembl

atched. In their hands, their ropes loosened. In

face was a mask of sadness when he landed next to

rmur. "I-" He was unable to comple

rm-gray. My heart grew weaker. I started

d. I spoke softly and franti

s head while shedding a few tears. "N

. I became hollow as my vigor fad

in my side. Under his palm, an intense he

. Like moonbeam silk, soft. Before my eyes,

attention. The pack gaped in amazement as they watched.

ipated after one pulse. Tears burned in my eye

cavern roof was covered in dust. Above,

ng with dread. He gathered me up in his em

art. The rocks fell like rain. Ropes snappe

an in the direction of a faint flash o

g. Everything was buried behind us by stone and earth

and. I was gently placed on the ground by Jace. His fi

warm breath touched my cheek as he leaned in cl

l. The rogue wolves weren't the cause. I

e color faded from his face. My body begged

ce was husky with an

his hand to his blade's hi

in the moonlight. Many and as pale as

Then another. And yet another. The fore

a stern face, Jace pressed a finger to his lips. T

ded my hand to grasp Jace's. "Stay cl

lver fur of the beasts as they stepp

attle. But one wail stood out l

not new to me. My heart stopp

g at the edge of the clearing, staring at

warning and sorrow, the sound reverberated ac

s no coincidence. The last s