A sudden pull yanked me out of sleep and dragged my body straight toward the deepest fire path before I could even shout.
Julian caught my arm just in time. “Liam, fight it. Talk to me.”
“It is strong,” I gasped. “Like the garden and the fire want me there now. Help.”
He held me tight and we walked the pull together instead of fighting alone. The path glowed red under our feet. Kael, Pyra and Sol were already waiting at the end. Kael spoke first. “The deeper link opened on its own. It calls the strongest bond first. You two.”
Pyra nodded. “We felt it too. This is not a test. It is an invitation. Bodies and words to seal the deeper side.”
Julian kept his hand locked with mine. “We go together. Clear yes only. Liam, you still with me?”
“Yes. Talk every step. Do not let go.”
We stepped
