Faith does not knock.
It crowds.
By dawn the next day, Blood Moon is no longer surrounded by enemies.
It is surrounded by believers.
They line the forests in silent rows, kneeling where territory wards flicker like uneasy stars. Some clutch candles. Some carry their sick in trembling arms. Others simply stare at the sanctum with eyes emptied of doubt and filled with expectation.
None of them leave.
None of them sleep.
Jason’s voice is tight as he reads the magical surveillance streams.
“Six outer rings breached by passive rituals. No force. No shadow. Just… invitation spells. They’re asking to be noticed.”
“They already have been,” Garrick mutters.
Zane stands at the front balcony, arms braced on the stone rail, black hair stirring in the cold wind. His eyes burn with restrained
