Night air clung to the treeline like breath held too long. The border patrol lights flickered faintly, casting thin beams across the grass. The scent of pine and wet soil hung heavy, a familiar comfort that usually steadied my nerves. Tonight, it did nothing. Everything felt different after the surge in my veins. The world smelled sharper. Colors seemed richer. My senses had shifted.
Kade stood with his arms crossed, speaking in low tones to Ronan just beyond the training yard. They had been arguing since sunset. I could hear every word from where I stood, though they thought they were far enough away.
“She is not ready,” Kade muttered.
“She is more ready than any of us,” Ronan replied.
I pretended not to listen, hands pressed against the cool stone railing as the last tendrils of my a
