Kora’s POV
The entire compound felt different after the shard was destroyed. The wolves moved with more purpose. The whispers that used to hang in the corridors felt quieter. It wasn’t peace yet, but it was something. Like a storm cloud shifting, letting a faint thread of light through.
But inside me, everything still burned. The shard’s scream haunted my sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw it splitting apart, felt the power twisting around my fingers, smelled the dark smoke rising. Even when I was awake, I could still hear Aaron’s voice, faint but angry.
*You think you’re strong enough to burn me out?*
Yes. I thought. But the fire inside me whispered a darker answer: We’re not done yet.
Three days after Mara returned, Edward called another council meeting. This time, the war ro
