The sun had barely risen when the camp stirred awake. Morning dew clung to the leaves, casting the forest in a soft, ethereal glow. But no one noticed the beauty. Not today. Last night's ambush under the blood moon had rattled everyone not because they weren't prepared, but because they saw what Aria had become.
And what she could be.She was the only one who can save them from Ronan
Kael watched her from a distance. She stood by the water's edge, bare feet in the cold stream, letting it numb the weight in her chest. Her silence used to feel like a burden, a barrier but now, it felt like a choice. A calculated edge. She'd used her voice like a blade last night, and it cut deep.
Lina approached Kael, arms folded. "She's changed."
Kael didn't look away from Aria. "She's awakening."
Lina's eyes narrowed. "You think she's ready to confront Ronan again?"
"She's more than ready. But it's not just about Ronan anymore."
