Karina woke early, her dreams interrupted by a soft voice calling her name. She blinked against the dim morning light filtering through the cabin’s window. The voice was faint but unmistakable—her aunt’s voice.
“Karina…” it whispered again, gently tugging at her consciousness.
Sitting up, Karina’s heart raced as she felt the familiar pull of magic, the same presence she had felt near the lake. She knew what it meant—her aunt wanted to meet her.
Caius stirred beside her, his arm draped protectively over her waist. She hesitated, not wanting to wake him, but knew she had to tell him where she was going. Gently, she shook him awake.
“Caius, wake up,” she whispered.
He opened his eyes groggily, immediately sensing something was wrong. “Karina? What is it?”
“My aunt… she’s calling me agai
