The ground shook under my feet before the sun even cleared the trees and every flower turned its face toward us like it wanted blood.
I gripped Julian’s hand hard. “You heard that right?”
“Yeah,” he said. “Center must renew or the new threads fray. That’s us.”
Neri ran up from the water side, hair still wet. “Ground jumped on our end. What does it want?”
Kael came from the fire path, sweat already on his chest. “Deeper heat is restless. It wants the claim shown strong and open.”
Talia held Daren’s arm tight. “Kids felt it too. Quiet grove is shifting.”
Julian raised his voice so the whole circle could hear. “Garden demands renewal from the center bond. Liam and I answer it. Clear words. Anyone who wants to watch or add voice stays. Private folks go to the side clearings. Kids stay in
