"I'll return the pearl," she said softly, pulling it from her pouch.
Draven's eyes lit up the moment she revealed it, like something ancient had stirred inside him.
She stepped forward and held it out.
He picked it up carefully, treating it with respect. As soon as his fingers made contact, a warm golden light spread up his arms, flowing through the scales of his skin.
The room was lit briefly with light.
A whisper echoed—like a breath of wind, like dragons exhaling from far away.
Then the light faded.
Draven looked at her. "It still remembers you."
"Then I'll go," Evelina said. "I'll answer the Council's questions. I'll face whatever they need me to."
"Evie—" Damian began.
She turned toward him. "If I don't… if they come here, they won't just take the pearl. They'll take Arcadia too."
Damian stared at her. Jaw clenched. His hand twitched like he wanted to reach for her, stop her.
But he didn't.
Zade stepped up beside her. "Then we both go."
"No—" she began.
