Kora’s POV
The forest at the base of the mountain was eerily still. The wind that had chased us down the ridge died completely as soon as we stepped between the trees, leaving behind a silence so deep it pressed against my ears. Every crunch of snow beneath our boots sounded too loud. Every breath felt stolen.
Edward walked ahead of me, his sword drawn. The faint glow from the runes etched into its blade shimmered against the white bark of the trees. Mara followed close behind, clutching a dagger in each hand, her face pale but defiant.
The moment I stepped past the first line of trees, the flame inside me stirred—slow at first, then stronger, like it recognized something.
“Edward,” I said quietly.
He glanced over his shoulder. “You feel it too?”
“Yes.”
He nodded once, his jaw tight
