Rain fell in sheets as Ivy, Kael, and Ember rode toward the western ridge.
They moved swiftly, cloaked in wolf-speed and silence. Ivy’s thoughts spun with everything they’d learned — her brother’s warnings, Ember’s vision, and now Elira’s betrayal.
“She knew Ember,” Ivy said tightly. “She raised her. Protected her.”
“She was a guardian,” Kael replied. “But guardians serve bloodlines. Not always truth.”
“And sometimes,” Ember added from behind them, “guardians lie to keep you safe.”
They reached the vault ruins by dawn.
The place was desecrated — the stone circle scorched, the sigil carved into the earth glowing faintly with unnatural fire.
“She performed the first half of the ritual here,” Ember whispered. “I can feel it.”
Ivy approached the center.
Burned ashes marked where the s
