The sky split like parchment torn by divine hands.
Aria's breath caught as the celestial shard above them pulsed violently, casting the forest clearing in an ethereal glow. Her arms instinctively pulled Caleb close, shielding his body with hers even as radiant spears of light shot from the heavens, embedding themselves in the earth like judgment made manifest.
But the Watchers didn't strike.
They descended slowly, robes like liquid night, their eyes reflecting the shimmer of countless stars. Their bare feet hovered inches above the scorched ground, their presence heavier than any magic Aria had ever known.
Then, one spoke. Its voice vibrated with layered harmonics, both ancient and terrible:
"The blood has awakened."
Caleb stirred behind her, his hand brushing Aria's lower back—whether for grounding or protection, she didn't know. Her mark burned under her skin, hot and wild. She turned toward him, and the moment their eyes met, everything else fell away.
