The portal roared with energy, a vortex of blinding golden light and swirling shadows that clawed at the edges of reality. The hum of power grew deafening, and the temple around them seemed to tremble as if it were struggling to contain the raw magic being unleashed.
Ezra turned to Caroline, his gloved hand closing tightly around hers. His sharp blue eyes met hers, and for a moment, the chaos around them seemed to fade.
“No matter what happens on the other side,” he said firmly, his voice cutting through the din, “I’ll be with you. Always.”
Caroline nodded, her breath catching in her throat as she clutched his hand with all her strength. Her chest felt heavy, the pull of the Witch inside her stronger than ever. The whispers clawed at her mind, wrapping around her thoughts like barbed wi
