The early morning mist clung to the earth like a second skin as Nova walked hand-in-hand with River toward the training grounds. Kade paced beside them, every few steps glancing at the tree line as if daring anything to come close. Behind them, Thorn and Seraphina spoke in low voices, their words slipping into the hush of the woods like secrets.
Today was the beginning of something none of them could quite name. A first step on a path none of them wanted their child to have to walk—but knew he must.
River, nestled inside his small cloak, seemed unbothered by the tension around him. His tiny hands toyed with the silver clasp at his neck, and his gray-blue eyes flickered with excitement more than fear.
When they reached the training field, they found it empty save for a circle of smooth s
