Marcus spun toward Maya and Lucas, his grey eyes flashing. "You didn't mention our powers would be affected."
"We didn't know," Maya said, her own leopard abilities flickering like a weak flame.
"Our tracking only showed us where the Ancients were, not... this."
Another grinding sound echoed through the twisted trees. Closer this time.
"We need to adapt," Marcus said, his tactical mind working. "Samantha, can you borrow anything at all?"
She reached out, trying to grasp any trace of power around her. "It's like trying to catch smoke. I can feel the abilities, but they slip away when I try to hold them."
Kai shifted his stance, frustrated. "My wolf strength is at half power, maybe less. But my senses are still working, mostly."
"Same with our leopard abilities," Lucas added. "It's like the Dark Lands are dampening everything supernatural."
A shadow moved between the black trees. Something large, ancient, watching.
