The overload hit Elara like a tidal wave in the dead of night.
She woke gasping, body rigid, every nerve screaming with too much information. Through her expanded link to life, she could suddenly hear and feel hundreds of heartbeats at once — students sleeping in the dorms, instructors on night watch, small creatures in the surrounding forest, even the faint, struggling pulses of wounded rogues hiding beyond the walls. The sensory storm was deafening and blinding in its intensity.
Kai was awake instantly, pulling her tightly against his chest. “Elara — breathe. I’m here. Focus on my heartbeat. Block out the rest.”
His voice anchored her through the mate bond, deep and steady. Elara clung to him, fingers digging into his shoulders as she tried to filter the overwhelming flood. Silver lig
