Axel’s body was a battlefield—charred skin, torn muscles, and magic burns that pulsed with residual soulfire. He hadn’t spoken more than a few words since returning, but his hand never let go of Aria’s.
Aria stayed by his bedside in the Moon Temple. Her own body bore the toll of the ritual—fatigue, nosebleeds, and strange flickers of energy surging beneath her skin. She hadn’t told the others yet, but… she could hear the moon singing.
Not metaphorically. Literally.
And every night, her dreams grew clearer.
A crown of fire. A pack torn by war. A child with her eyes and a wolf made of stars.
She knew the prophecy was awakening.
And she knew time was running out.
—
Meanwhile – The Elders’ Council Hall
Elder Kael stood before the Circle of Five. The other elders watched him like hawks
