The sanctuary shook again.
Dust drifted from the ceiling as another deafening crash echoed through the chamber.
The crystal pool rippled violently, its silver light flickering.
I instinctively stepped closer to Seraphine.
“What do we do?”
She slowly pushed herself to her feet, wincing as pain crossed her face.
“We protect the sanctuary.”
“How?”
“I’ll hold them back.”
My eyes widened.
“No.”
She looked at me with quiet determination.
“Elara, listen to me.”
“I’m not leaving you again.”
“You must.”
I shook my head, tears already filling my eyes.
“I can’t.”
“You can.”
She placed both hands on my shoulders.
“For eighteen years, my duty has been to protect you.”
Her pale blue eyes softened.
“But now…”
“…it is your turn to protect what lives inside you.”
Before I could answe
