NORA POV
The victory glow of the trial still lingered in Embergate’s plazas—the spiral ward dome pulsing softly overhead as we celebrated. Yet, beneath the laughter and chatter, a quiet hum pulled at my senses—the portal’s resonance had shifted.
I rose from the stone benches, gently lifting Liana from Iris’s arms. The toddler yawned, a silver crescent smile painting her cheek.
Ronan met my gaze and nodded; we exchanged silent understanding—the celebration’s chorus had changed tone.
I led Liana and Ronan to the garden of moon-lilies, away from the crowd’s pulse, and breathed in the night air.
“It’s stronger,” I said softly, stroking my daughter’s fur ear. The portal’s hum echoed. “But… different.”
Ronan leaned close. “Starielle sensed change too?”
I nodded. “Not barrier—thread.”
A
