THE BLOODBOUND EXPLOSION
The camp was quiet—too quiet. The air itself seemed to hold its breath, waiting. Even the wind had stilled, as if the forest knew something terrible was about to happen.
Kael crouched beside Nara, holding her close. Her body shook violently, and her pulse was erratic, erratic enough to make his wolf growl in alarm.
“You’re safe here,” Kael whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. “It’s okay… I’m here. You’re not alone.”
Nara’s eyes fluttered open, but something was different. A faint glow shimmered in her iris, silver and liquid like moonlight over water. Kael froze.
“Kael…” Her voice trembled, not fully her own. “I… I remember…”
His hand tightened over hers. “Remember what?”
She shook violently. “I… I am not just Nara… I am her… the Guardian. The Bloodboun
