Two figures stepped through the new thread at dawn and the air turned thick with heat the second their feet touched our grass.
I stood with Julian. “They are here,” I said. “Feel that?”
“Yes. Strong,” he answered. “Stay close.”
The first was a tall woman with glowing skin named Pyra. The man beside her was broader, called Sol. Pyra spoke first. “You are Liam and Julian. Our realm felt your open fire. We came to join it.”
Julian nodded. “Welcome. We share heat with talk and clear yes. No force.”
Sol looked us over. “Your bond is loud. We respect it. But the heat already pulls.”
Talia and the others gathered quick. Mira waved. “Come eat first. Then we see.”
We walked to the circle. Food appeared. Talk started fast.
“How hot does it get in your home?” Kade asked.
Pyra smiled. “Hot en
