~Annalyn POV~
But I… I couldn't deny it. My hand had lifted without my will, fingers trembling toward that outstretched shadow of Kaelith's. The stones weren't calling Lupus, weren't calling Biat, or Rachael. Only me, and part of me wanted to know why.
"Kaida," Biat's voice cut across the chaos, calm, steady, piercing straight through. He stood a few steps behind, his face lit in red. "Think. Don't let them think for you. What happens if you step to her? What happens if you let go of yourself?"
His words struck something inside me.... sharper than Kaelith's velvet, steadier than the stones. I froze, my hand trembling in midair.
Elder Rachael's staff cracked against the stone, the sound clear, ancient, commanding. "The stones seek a vessel. But a vessel chooses too. Remember that, child. You are not clay for them to mold unless you open yourself."
