The rain hadn’t touched Ashford in weeks.
But Nova knew storms came in many forms, and the one circling Cassia’s path wasn’t weather. It was legacy.
She stood on the upper balcony of the estate, watching as the sky refused to break. Her fingers curled around the stone railing. Somewhere out there, her daughter was chasing truths Nova had buried for years.
Maybe too many.
Behind her, Liam stepped out, barefoot, a soft towel over his shoulder and that same look in his eyes, part concern, part knowing.
“She’s still not back,” he said gently.
Nova didn’t answer right away. She could still feel the residue of flame in the salt air. Cassia had awakened something. Nova had felt it. Every Emberborn did.
“I think it’s time,” she finally said.
Liam moved closer. “Time for what?”
“For me to
