Shadows at the gate

Mother Agar squeezed her hand, her voice a low whisper. "Be careful, Ciara."

Without another word, Ciara turned and stepped back outside, her body tense, her mind focused. She followed the dark energy she felt, tracing it to the edge of the village. There, among the trees, she saw them—Kael's shadows, wraith-like figures gliding through the forest, their eyes glowing faintly as they prowled, searching.

She stepped into their path, her voice clear and sharp. "You will not take one more step."

The shadows paused, sensing her presence, and a low, rasping whisper echoed through the air. "The Hybrid Queen… defending her little ones. How noble."

Ciara's fists clenched, her powers surging to the surface as she summoned both light and shadow. "Leave now, or I will destroy you."