Kaelor’s POV
The words outside didn’t sound like a threat at first.
They sounded like recognition.
And that somehow made them worse.
Kaelor didn’t move.
None of them did.
Even Rhydan’s grip on Aurenya went still, like his instincts were arguing with what he was hearing.
“I remember you now.”
The presence stood just beyond the broken frame of the window, half-hidden by the trees, but no longer trying to conceal itself.
Whatever shape it had been before—
it was changing again.
Adapting.
Learning how to exist closer to them.
Aurenya’s breathing turned uneven in Rhydan’s arms.
Kaelor noticed it immediately. “Aurenya, don’t listen to it.”
But she wasn’t really listening to them either.
Her eyes were distant again.
Like something inside her had turned its head in response.
Drav
