Chapter 210

OLIVIA’S POV Pain bloomed across my ribs as his claws raked down my side. I hit the ground hard, breath knocked from my lungs. The Alpha King didn’t relent—he pounced again, claws slashing, jaws snapping inches from my face. I rolled, barely dodging, the stone beneath me scraping my back raw. Blood soaked into my shirt. My limbs were trembling. I wasn’t healing fast enough—not in this form. Not when I couldn’t shift. I stumbled to my feet. Around me, I could hear the crowd murmuring. Some in awe. Others in disgust. Pity. Mockery. Whispers that the Phoenix was all fire and no fang. I locked eyes with Dominic. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides. Rage rippled through him like heat waves, but he wouldn’t interfere. He couldn’t. Not without disqualifying me. James was growling lowly, barely being held back by Derek. And still… I stood. The Alpha King’s wolf snarled and charged again, knocking me clear off my feet. My body crashed into the ground with a sickening thud. Stars dan