The light did not stop rising.
It only changed form.
What had been a chaotic red eruption inside the cracked seal began to organize itself—like something inside had finally decided it no longer needed to hide its shape.
Victoria stood frozen at the edge of the circle, her breath uneven but controlled in a way that didn’t feel like her own choice anymore.
Selene was still gripping her arm. “Okay, Victoria—this is officially your fault now. I just want that recorded somewhere.”
Victoria didn’t answer.
Because her attention wasn’t fully in the room anymore.
It was inside the seal.
Watching her back.
Luca’s hand tightened around her wrist. “Don’t look directly into it.”
Victoria frowned slightly. “Why?”
Luca’s voice dropped. “Because it will look back properly.”
That should have be
