Josie
Liam's voice was the last echo in my head before everything unraveled.
His spell glowed—sharp, bright, almost mocking—and in a snap, Michelle was free. Free, after everything. Before I could even react, he made them vanish in a puff of smoke, like they had never existed at all. My fingers reached for the air, too late, grasping at nothing.
My chest tightened, my breath catching as rage and disbelief coiled through me.
And then… I felt it. A familiar ripple, like a hand brushing against my soul.
"Kiel?" I whispered, my throat dry.
When I turned, he was there—well, not him exactly, but his spirit. His outline shimmered faintly, almost transparent, the edges of his form flickering like candlelight.
"Are you… are you really here?" I asked, my voice trembling, fear and relief clashing inside me.
He gave a small, almost guilty smile. "Not fully. I couldn't come in. But the tree… it let my spirit through. Just enough to reach you."
