The platform quaked violently beneath their feet, jagged crystal shards shifting like living teeth. Aria’s embers spiraled outward, golden light lashing against the edges of the collapsing stones. Kael anchored her with one hand, his grip firm, but even his strength strained against the unstable ground.
The colossal figure, the Heart of the Veil loomed above, every step sending ripples across the fractured landscape. Its molten eyes burned into her, unblinking, assessing, and judging. A low hum vibrated in the air, resonating deep within Aria’s chest, syncing with the beat of her own heart.
“Brace yourselves!” Thane shouted, vaulting across a widening chasm to reach stable ground. Ryn followed, his eyes wide as shards spun around them like knives.
Aria focused, drawing her embers inward
