The symbol still glowed when I pulled my hand away. I just stared at it for a second, then glanced at Kael. Neither of us said a word.
The mark etched into the stone was fading, barely visible now—but I’d felt it. It pulsed under my fingers. Like a heartbeat.
“Did you see that?” I whispered.
Kael nodded, slow and careful. “Yes.”
“What was it?”
“I don’t know.”
I frowned. “You always say that.”
“This time... I mean it.”
I turned back to the symbol. Something inside told me this wasn’t over. I didn’t know how I knew, I just did.
I leaned closer. Kael grabbed my wrist, stopping me. “Don’t.”
I met his eyes. “Why not?”
“Last time you touched an ancient symbol, the whole shrine came alive.”
“I survived.”
“Barely.”
“But I did.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You enjoy making me nervous.”
“
