BY ALEXANDRA IVY Prologue The Legend of Opela and Shakpi Deep beneath the bayou, Shakpi stirred in the darkness of her prison. For centuries she'd been trapped beneath the choking layers of magic. Her sister, Opela's, last gift to her beloved Pantera. Ancient fury surged through her, sending out shockwaves that shook the land above her. It was all the fault of those damned cats. In the beginning, it was just her and Opela. Twin sisters born of magic, meant to rule the world. They had done everything together, never needing anyone else. Then Opela became obsessed with her desire for children. She'd claimed that there was no point of existence if she couldn't possess creatures to love. Without thought for anyone but herself, Opela created a new race, the Pantera, to call her children. Shakpi had done everything in her power to stop her sister. They'd had each other. Why did they need anyone else? But Opela had refused to listen to her pleas, instead lavishing her love and devotion on her Pantera. Consumed with envy, Shakpi had plotted to kill the freaks of nature. Mortal creatures weren't meant to be blessed with Opela's magic. Or given the ability to shift into puma form. They were an abomination that had to be destroyed. She'd