The cave breathed.
That was the first thing Aria noticed.
Not literally but it felt alive. Each wave that slammed against the rocks outside sent a deep, hollow roar through the stone chamber, like the slow inhale and exhale of something ancient and watching.
She sat curled against the wall, knees pulled to her chest, soaked clothes clinging to her skin. Her shoulder throbbed where she’d struck the rocks, but the pain barely registered compared to the storm raging inside her mind.
Images flashed behind her eyes.
Not dreams.
Not imagination.
Memories.
She pressed her palms to her temples, gasping.
“No… no, not now…”
Kael knelt in front of her instantly, his movements sharp despite the exhaustion etched into his face. Blood streaked his knuckles. Saltwater darkened his hair. He look
