Leah Carter’s Point of View
“Varul wants the child.” Her words hung in the air like smoke that refused to fade.
Kael’s sword hand trembled slightly, though his voice was steady. “What did you say?”
Seraya lifted her head. Her face was pale beneath the soot and scars, her once-sharp eyes now clouded with fear. “You heard me,” she whispered. “He’s coming for her… for Emma.”
For a heartbeat, none of us moved, even the fire beside us seemed to burn quieter. I pulled Emma close, feeling her small heartbeat flutter against my chest.
Kael’s jaw tightened. “Explain. Now.”
Seraya’s breath hitched. She tried to stand, but her legs buckled, and Caleb moved instinctively, catching her by the arm. The moment he touched her, he flinched. Her skin burned hot, fevered, but not from any sickness. It
