Ember woke choking on the feeling that she was no longer alone.
It wasn’t the pressure this time—that ever-present, suffocating awareness that had followed her through the forest like a shadow with patience. This was sharper. More precise. A sensation that cut through the fog of exhaustion and grief with unsettling clarity.
Recognition.
She sucked in a breath, fingers curling into the dirt beneath her palms as her heart began to race. The forest around her was still, moonlight filtering weakly through the branches overhead. Nothing had changed.
And yet… everything had.
The hollow in her chest—where Maelis’ bond had once burned too bright and then torn itself apart—shifted. Not flaring. Not aching.
Responding.
“What is that?” Ember whispered, voice hoarse.
Vespera stirred immediatel
