The morning came slowly, reluctant and gray. Mist drifted low across the clearing of Hollow’s Crossing, carrying the damp scent of moss and ash. The allied camp stirred around Crystal — the murmurs of waking wolves, the faint crackle of rekindled fires, the low voices of witches preparing their morning wards.
Crystal sat near the edge of camp, staring into the dying embers of last night’s fire. Sleep had refused to claim her, and her thoughts had wandered endlessly back to Seraphine’s words.
"Your child hums with power even before it draws its first breath."
Her hand found her stomach again, the motion unconscious. The faint warmth of the veil Seraphine had cast still lingered there, like sunlight beneath her skin. She wasn’t sure if she felt comforted or terrified.
“Didn’t expect to f
