Belle led the way later that night, her stride confident as though she’d done this a thousand times. The room was dim, the flickering light of a single candle casting long shadows across the walls. The air felt heavier with each step, thick with the anticipation of what was to come.
“We’ll need to form a circle,” Belle instructed, her voice calm but firm. “And don’t let go, no matter what happens.”
I moved into position, clasping Jade’s hand on my left and Elenora’s on my right. Belle stood directly across from me, her face illuminated by the eerie glow of the candlelight. Her expression was sharp with focus, her usual warmth replaced by something more commanding.
“Ready?” she asked, her gaze sweeping over us.
Jade gave a playful smirk. “Always ready for some magic drama.”
Elenora sho
