The hand was the beginning.
The crack of light in its palm still burned behind my eyes, sharp and blinding, but it was nothing compared to what came next. The monolith groaned, a low grinding sound that shook the air itself. The carved lines across its surface pulsed, brighter, faster, as if something behind the stone had found its heartbeat and was learning how to use it.
Leah pulled Ember tighter against her chest, whispering her name like she could anchor her to consciousness through sheer force of will. Felix pushed himself upright, blade trembling as he pointed it toward the monolith again.
Nathan held me with one arm, steadying me while his other hand hovered near the dagger at his hip. His jaw was locked. His eyes fixed on the stone. He looked like he was preparing to face someth
