BETWEEN BLOOD AND BOND
The Shadow Keep shivered around her. The air thickened, humming with her bloodline’s power. Nara could feel the pulse of the barrier between her and Kael, feel his pain through the bond—but the more she focused, the more the barrier pushed back, scorching her hands and chest.
Her heart ached. Every inch of her screamed to run to him, to tear through the invisible wall with claws, teeth, and magic. But Erevan’s words replayed in her mind: “Force your awakening unprepared… you will die.”
“I don’t care!” she shouted, lifting her hands again. Light burst from her palms, golden streaks slicing through the darkened halls. The barrier flared, bending, groaning—but still held.
Kael’s howl rang in her ears, raw and desperate.
“Nara… don’t—” His voice broke into a groan,
