The Shadow Realm had changed.
It no longer greeted Ivy with claws or screams.
Now it pulsed like a heartbeat — quiet, steady… waiting.
Waiting for her to finish what she started.
Kael stood beside her at the threshold of the portal.
They were no longer just alpha and flameborn.
They were bonded.
Not by blood.
Not by magic.
But by a choice made in fire and war.
And now… by fate.
Behind them stood a smaller team.
Liora, cloaked in light wards and carrying the ancient flameborn book.
Cassian, scarred but resolute.
Two warriors handpicked by Ivy herself — twins from the northern tribes, gifted with echo magic and shadow-sight.
And Ember.
Ivy had refused to bring her.
Ember had refused to stay.
In the end, Ivy let her come — but not without protection.
“She’s stronger than an
