Kora’s POV
The ground split beneath my feet as if the earth itself had drawn its last breath. Fire and shadow collided, twisting into a storm of colorless flame. It wasn’t like any fire I had ever seen—it burned white, pure and consuming, and at its center stood Aaron.
He looked more spirit than man now, the edges of his form blurring into smoke. His eyes glowed gold, the same gold I’d once seen in my own reflection. Every pulse of his aura made the trees bow, the air shatter, the stars flicker out.
“Do you feel it?” he asked. His voice wasn’t loud—it didn’t need to be. It was inside me, crawling up my spine. “This is what we were meant to be. Together, Kora. Fire and shadow, reborn.”
I forced myself to stand, even as the air pressed against me, thick and heavy. “You call this destiny?
