Page 68 of Fated for Dawn

Evelyn let out a scream of frustration as the lightning bolts subsided. Then, with a battle cry that echoed across the battlefield, she went supernova. A shockwave of raw power erupted outward, sending us flying backward like ragdolls. The Academy’s windows burst in a violent spray of glass, the force tearing through everything in its path and shaking the ground as if it might split open.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an elder step forward, his hands raised as he attempted to conjure a shield around Eris. His power flared brilliantly for a moment—but it wasn’t enough. Evelyn’s raw energy ripped through his defenses, instantly reducing him to ash.

The others turned to run, their once-formidable presence reduced to desperation. Only a few of the fastest shifter enemies escaped the blast.

Through the chaos, Eris didn’t so much as flinch. She remained where she stood, her gaze locked on Evelyn as the shockwave washed over her.

The courtyard fell silent, smoke rising in twisted tendrils. The smell of scorched flesh and burnt earth choked the air. At the far end, only Eris remained—her clothes burned away, hair singed, and flesh knitting itself back together at an impossible speed.

There was a momentary flash of anger, but she masked it quickly as she stepped forward, her lips curling into a chilling smile.

“That’s more like it,” she said, her voice calm as she waved her hands and conjured a new dress that wrapped around her body. Her silky blonde hair fell in waves about her face as if itnever burned. “I knew you had potential, Evelyn. But raw power without control is nothing more than a temper tantrum.”

Evelyn squared her shoulders, meeting Eris with an unyielding glare. Then, a slow, victorious smile spread across her lips.

“Control or not,” Evelyn said, her voice ringing with defiance, “I’m not the one standing here all alone.”

Eris’s smile faltered, her fingers twitching at her side as her gaze sharpened with fury. Shadows rippled across the battlefield as Ryker’s father descended on his massive chimera form, his wings stirring the smoke around them. Without a word, he scooped Eris up in his powerful claws.

Eris cast one last, smoldering look at Evelyn before they vanished into the sky.

“Fuck,” Viper breathed, breaking the silence. “I think I’m in love.”

Chad shot him a glare. “Nope. No more dicks in this harem.”

27

Evelyn

As I gazed into the bathroom mirror, the gentle morning light revealed the dark circles under my eyes and my pale complexion. The battle with Eris and her undead army had left me more than tired; I was utterly drained.

I guess that’s what happens when you get electrocuted a few hundred times.

The morning cold shower had once again helped cool me down from the overload of lightning I’d channeled. But after finishing it, I felt like a walking corpse, minus the rotting flesh and vacant stare, like one of the undead we’d battled against.

The previous night, Rafe had healed my torn wings. The pain had been unbearable, but his angelic touch was gentle and soothing. He’d promised that the wings would be okay since they stemmed from my lineage powers. Yet I didn’t have the heart to try and conjure them. The fear that they were gone for good was too much to face now.

A knock sounded at the door. “Little witch? You okay in there?” Chad’s voice was muffled through the door, tinged with worry.

“I’m fine,” I called back, splashing more cold water on my face. But I wasn’t fine. Not really. Images of the carnage I’d caused kept flashing through my mind. An entire army, wiped out by my hand. Granted, they’d already been dead, but the Elders and a few shifters hadn’t made it. And that was on me.

I never wanted this kind of power. All I wanted was to get strong enough to face the people who betrayed me.

Battling a goddess?

That was something else entirely. And yet—if I’d pursued her yesterday, I might have been able to finish this. Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, I would’ve been too drained to do anything else if she had retaliated. As soon as she left, I promptly collapsed—and I couldn’t risk losing Lia, not when there was still a chance of saving her.

I sighed, opened the door, and found Chad leaning against the frame. Despite everything, his usual enthusiasm was somehow intact, though it faded as he took one look at my face and pulled me into a hug.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Like I just went ten rounds with a goddess and her zombie horde. So, peachy.”

Chad patted my head and leaned back to stare at me with a smile. “That was some light show you put on yesterday. I was proud of you. Now, come on, I smell bacon, and I’m starving. Let’s get some food in you.”

My stomach growled in response, and I managed a small smile. “Lead the way.”

The others were already gathered around the large kitchen island, piling their plates with bacon, scrambled eggs, and some golden toast. The comforting aroma of breakfast mixed with therich scent of coffee made my stomach let out another impatient grumble.

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