Chapter 171

Layla’s POV

At the battlefield, I dodged a wild swipe aimed at me, slipping through the chaos with a single goal: get to Nate. But James—where had he come from? And why now? I didn't have time to piece it together, not when every second counted.

The battle stretched before me, a storm of fur and fangs, but I refused to get lost in the madness. My pulse raced with each step as Augustus's men spilled from the treeline, a shadowy force intent on our destruction. The air was thick with the metallic tang of blood, but my mind was sharp. Nate needed me.

Freddie fought fiercely, his eyes locked onto the same target-protecting those he cared about. His body was battered, his fur stained with blood, but he stood tall, refusing to be broken.

"Nate!" Freddie's voice cut through the din as he took down one of Augustus's wolves.

I veered toward him, knowing I had to help as well.

My claws sliced through the air as I joined Freddie, our movemen