Magic exploded across the clearing.
The witch's purple energy shot forward like lightning.
The man reacted instantly, shifting back into wolf form as he lunged toward the attackers.
Lena stumbled backward in shock.
Everything was happening too fast.
The witches began chanting, their voices echoing through the trees as dark power gathered around them.
Fear surged through Lena's chest.
Then something strange happened.
Heat spread through her hands.
The wind rose suddenly, swirling around her feet and lifting leaves into the air.
Silver light flickered across her fingers.
"What's happening to me?" she whispered.
One of the witches stared at her in disbelief.
"She's awakening," the woman hissed.
The words barely registered before Lena instinctively thrust her hands forward.
A burst of silver energy erupted from her palms.
The force slammed into the witches and knocked them backward across the clearing.
For a moment the forest fell silent.
The wolf shifted back into human form beside her.
His silver eyes were filled with surprise.
"You're a witch," he said quietly.
Lena shook her head, still staring at her glowing hands.
"No," she whispered.
But deep down she knew something inside her had just awakened.