The second flame burned within Elizabeth like a second heartbeat.
Even miles away from the temple ruins, she still felt the residual fire curling through her soul, reshaping the corners of her power. Her wolf had grown quieter, more watchful as if sensing they had crossed a threshold no one could reverse, but peace was an illusion.
They returned to Crimson Ridge at nightfall.
The stars shimmered unnaturally overhead, forming constellations not seen in centuries. Isolde met them at the gates, her expression grim, silver robes singed at the edges.
“The sky is changing,” she said without preamble. “Something stirs in the celestial fold. The mages feel it in their blood. The veil between realms is fraying faster.”
Elizabeth dismounted. “Selene?”
Isolde hesitated. “Her crystal is... react
