Moonlight In Chains (Trinity and Asher) novel Chapter 96

CHAPTER 96

The shadow emerged with a swiftness that far surpassed anything I had anticipated. Towering above even the largest wolves, its form was massive, its eyes blazing a fierce, unyielding red. It moved like a living shadow, flowing and twisting through the dense forest with a fluid grace that sent chills down my spine. Every heavy step it took caused the earth beneath us to shudder, while the thick air around us pulsed with a raw energy that clawed relentlessly at my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Instinctively, I grasped Asher’s hand, drawing comfort from the steady warmth of our bond. At my side, Gage stepped forward, his golden eyes glowing with an intensity I hadn’t seen before.

“We have to push it back,” Gage shouted, urgency lacing his voice.

Asher’s tone was calm yet resolute. “We hold together. Let the bond be our guide.”

I shut my eyes briefly, focusing on the invisible thread connecting the three of us. A steady, powerful warmth radiated from my chest, pulsing in rhythm with my heartbeat. Gage responded immediately, his golden energy weaving seamlessly into mine. Asher added his strength—solid, protective, unwavering. Together, we formed a circle, energy swirling around us like a shimmering shield.

The shadow lunged suddenly. I felt its dark force crash against the edge of our barrier, the impact throwing me into Asher’s arms. I stumbled, but he caught me effortlessly, pulling me close.

“You okay?” His voice was low, steady, grounding.

I nodded, catching my breath. “I’m fine. But… it’s stronger than we thought.”

Asher’s gray eyes narrowed with determination. “Yes. And it’s testing us.”

The shadow hissed and struck again. This time, Gage unleashed a burst of golden energy, sending a pulse crashing into the darkness. The shadow recoiled slightly, but the force alone wasn’t enough to push it back.

“It won’t stop!” Gage yelled, frustration and fear mingling in his voice. “It’s too strong!”

I stepped forward, placing my hands over Gage’s. “We combine it. All of us. Now.”

Asher’s hands found mine, and together we focused every ounce of energy we had. Silver, gray, and gold intertwined, spinning and twisting in a powerful dance. The shadow shrieked as the combined force struck it, pushing it back. Trees trembled, leaves fluttered to the ground, and the air crackled with raw power.

But it didn’t relent. The shadow reformed instantly—darker, faster, and angrier than before.

I could feel its probing presence, like cold fingers testing my fear, searching for the weak spot that would shatter me.

I glanced at Asher. His jaw was clenched tight, but his hand never left mine. His bond radiated confidence, calm, and protection. I drew strength from him.

Gage’s golden eyes met mine, bright but shadowed with fear. He was pushing beyond his limits, trying desperately to hold on.

“Focus,” I whispered. “Feel the bond. Don’t fight alone. Together.”

We poured everything into the energy between us. Our marks glowed fiercely, casting a swirling light that illuminated the dark forest around us.

The shadow hissed again, this time more violently. It split into smaller forms—dozens of writhing, dark shapes that surged toward us from all directions.

Asher pulled me close behind him, unleashing his own energy to slice through one of the smaller shadows. “Gage! Front lines! Trinity, stay with me!”

I nodded, pushing energy outward. The smaller shadows slammed against our shield, screeching in frustration as they twisted and turned. They attacked from every angle, but our bond held firm.

My heart pounded wildly, sweat dripping down my face. Each impact against our barrier felt like a hammer striking my chest. But I couldn’t falter—not now, not with Asher and Gage standing beside me.

Suddenly, one shadow lunged directly at me, faster than I could react. I tried to repel it with energy, but it slipped past my shield and slashed my shoulder. Sharp, burning pain shot through me.

“Asher!” I cried out.

He spun around, releasing a pulse of energy that tore the shadow apart. Catching me as I stumbled, he held me steady. “You’re okay,” he said firmly. “Stay with me.”

I nodded, swallowing the fear that threatened to overwhelm me. I had to keep fighting.

Gage’s voice was strained. “There are too many! I can’t hold them all!”

“Then don’t!” I shouted. “Push together! Let the bond guide us!”

We combined our energy once more, sending a powerful pulse of light spinning outward to hold back the swarm. The shadows shrieked, twisting and writhing, but they couldn’t break through our wall.

Then, something shifted.

The air grew colder, the shadows’ hisses and screams falling silent. They circled us slowly, watching, waiting. A new, heavier energy entered the field—darker and more intelligent.

I felt it deep within my chest, within the bond itself. It wasn’t just testing us anymore. It was learning, studying how we moved, how we fought together. It sought a weakness.

Asher tensed, ears flicking back nervously. “It’s thinking. This isn’t mindless. It’s alive.”

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