The next evening, Samantha jolted awake as she felt the magical wards surrounding their hideout pulse and shudder. Marcus and Kai were already alert, their bodies tense as they sensed the disturbance in the protective barriers surrounding the cabin.
"Collectors," Marcus growled, his voice low. Even in the dim light, Samantha could see his muscles coiling with barely contained power as he fought to maintain his human appearance.
"How did they find this place?" Samantha whispered.
Kai moved to the window, his nose twitching as he scented the air. "They must have someone who can sense residual magic. A tracker, maybe even a ward-breaker." His eyes flickered amber as he struggled to keep his transformation under control. "Six of them. Different from before – stronger. No minions this time."
