The Heart of the World had grown silent in the days following the Codex’s awakening. Elizabeth found herself restless, unable to sleep. The sacred temple had granted them shelter, but her dreams were filled with fire, chains, and a voice whispering her name.
Outside the moon hung low and red.
Lucian stood guard near the cliffs, his golden eyes fixed on the sky. He sensed the change like the earth itself was bracing for war. Behind him, Elizabeth joined him, her presence soothing even when she said nothing.
"It’s starting, isn’t it?" she asked.
Lucian nodded. "Asharoth is moving. And I fear the packs are not ready."
Far across the continent, in the frostbitten ruins of Black Hollow, a council of traitors gathered. Selene Stormborn, her once-golden hair now streaked with silver from her
