The forest held its breath.
Moonlight slanted through the ancient pines like silver blades, casting shadows over Aria's face as she stumbled backward, the mark on her wrist burning brighter than ever. It wasn't just a glow—it pulsed, alive, reacting to something primal. Something dangerous.
She could feel them—Dorian, Tobias, and Marcus—all drawing closer, drawn by the same invisible force that gripped her. The bond between them was no longer dormant. It had awakened. And it was hungry.
Dorian was the first to appear from the trees, his face hard, jaw clenched, like he was battling his own instincts. His stormy eyes locked onto hers. "You activated the mark."
"I didn't mean to," Aria whispered, cradling her wrist. "It just... happened."
Tobias stepped out next, his movements slower, as if every breath he took was a struggle. "We felt it. Like a pulse in the air. It dragged us to you."
Marcus emerged last, golden eyes blazing. "This isn't just a bond anymore. It's evolving."
