Aria’s POV
The moment I closed my eyes, I reached out to Kael through the mindlink. I wasn’t even sure if it would work again, not after the last time. But I needed to try. I focused on him, on his voice, on his scent, on everything that tied me to him.
Kael… Kael, can you hear me?
For a moment, there was nothing. My heart sank.
Then suddenly, his voice came through, weak but clear in my mind.
Aria? Is that really you?
Tears burned my eyes. Yes, it’s me! Where are you?
I don’t know… I think they moved me again. It’s cold… stone floors… I hear dripping water.
His breathing was heavy. He sounded like he was in pain.
Don’t worry. I’ll find you, I said, my voice trembling.
I stood up, my body already reacting to the urgency in my heart. My muscles shifted. Bones cracked and reshaped.
