Serenye's pov
The bond snapped tight.
That was the only way I could describe it—the sudden, brutal pull in my chest, like someone had hooked a chain around my heart and yanked hard enough to rip me in two. Caius staggered mid-step, his hand flying to his sternum as if he’d felt it too.
For one suspended, silver-drenched moment, the world narrowed to just us.
The power howling through me faltered.
Not stopped. Not controlled.
But hesitated.
The ancient words stuttered on my tongue, breaking rhythm for the first time since they’d begun pouring out of me. The air screamed in protest, silver light flickering like a storm fighting itself.
Caius looked up.
His eyes met mine—and gods, there was no accusation there. No anger. No fear.
Only desperation.
“Serenye,” he said again, and thi
