The silence after the battle felt heavier than before.
Not peaceful.
Not calm.
Oppressive.
Like something unseen was watching.
Waiting.
Luna stood still, her chest rising slowly as she tried to steady her breathing. The last trace of dark energy faded from her hand—but not completely. It lingered beneath her skin, quiet… patient.
Kael didn’t look away from her.
“…you held it.”
She nodded slightly.
“I did.”
But her voice—
Still carried tension.
Because she felt it.
That connection.
Still there.
Still alive.
Still growing.
Before Kael could say anything—
The air shifted.
Subtly.
But enough.
Both of them felt it instantly.
Kael’s head snapped toward the broken clearing.
“…we’re not alone.”
Luna’s eyes narrowed.
“I know.”
A faint sound echoed.
Not footsteps.
Not br
