The rise of the orphan luna

en'

. Scott was still hurt and struggling for air on the ground. Marcus'

could hardly be heard over the

wer I'd always tried to ignore. But now that Scott's life was in jeopard

rong and wild, and it swept through me like a hurricane. Every part of me buzzed

hen I opened my eyes once more. The power w

when he saw how I had changed. Confused,

e strength within me increasing. It no longer frightened me. I could use

energy erupted from me and struck Marcus. The intens

oice full of authority I di

eld seemed to pause. Everyone was in awe of what they

ad keener senses. I wasn't the helpless misfit they all b

. He snarled as he charged at me, his claw

meeting his onslaught head-on. Every time he swung, I was stron

I murmured, "You're not going to win, M

and he fell to the ground. His face contorted w

inal blast of power before he coul

ield grew quiet. My pulse was pounding from the fe

en I turned around. He was hurt, with blood on his side and hi

quiet, incredulous voice.

tep in his direction. "I couldn't let him hurt you,

to sit up. I had not noticed anything diff

u were," in an emotionally charged tone. "I

" even though I knew in my heart that it wasn't the same. Scott had always thought o

ered, "I was wrong about you." "You'

relief, fatigue, and an unidentified sense. I whispered, "I d

other word. I could feel the energy leaving me as my body, w

e, Scott's voice sounded wor

used too much." My legs felt like they were gi

to support me. "Helen! Remain with me! I could se

as my eyelids grew heavier b

gize," while embracing me. "I was sa

s finally getting to me, and my body was shutting down. I tried to han

s hands tightened around me.

d the right words. My strength was gone, and Scott's regretful and g

hear Scott's voice, barely a whisper n

ad swallowed me whole, and I didn't