"Leia, what's going on? I heard strange noises—" Azalea's voice trailed off, her words catching in her throat.
Her eyes widened in horror as she stepped into the living room. A hunter stood there with a silver dagger gleaming in her hand, while Leia, already shifted into her wolf form, was bleeding heavily from her stomach.
Azalea gasped, her trembling hand flying to her mouth.
Eshira smirked at the sight, her expression twisted with delight. Leia caught the glint in her eyes and, despite the searing pain tearing through her body, she pushed herself forward. With a growl, she staggered in front of Azalea, shielding her from the advancing hunter.
"You really think you can protect her in this condition?" Eshira taunted, laughter bubbling from her lips. "Pathetic. Look at you, barely standing, and yet you dare defy me?"
Her mocking voice filled the room and she marched towards Leia.
