Aria’s POV…..
The ritual circle pulsed beneath my feet—white light threading through the earth like veins, humming with ancient power. Louis and Damien stood guard outside the tent, their shadows tense against the canvas. My mother whispered the final incantation over the ancient book, her voice trembling.
“Aria,” she said, gripping my shoulders. “You must be prepared. Entering his mind is not a dream. It’s a war.”
I swallowed. “I’m ready.”
Her eyes softened with fear. “He may not recognize you. The wolf inside him is corrupted—feral, maddened by the darkness. He may kill you.”
“I don’t care,” I whispered. “I’m bringing him back.”
The light surged. My pulse followed it—fast, desperate, fierce.
Then the world cracked open beneath me.
---
Darkness hit me like a fist.
Cold, biting,
