#MBTACChapter27 — The clearing grew quiet, the faint hum of Calder’s wards the only sound. Even Nimbus, usually restless, remained still on my shoulder. Something about Calder set me on edge—not just his knowing smile but the way he seemed so at ease with all of this chaos. “I hope you realize what you’ve just agreed to,” Timothy muttered, his voice low as he cast a sidelong glance at me. “I realize we don’t have many options,” I replied, my grip tightening on the strap of my bag. “And if he can help us, we’d be foolish not to listen.” Calder clapped his hands, the sound breaking the tension. “Glad to see you’re the practical one, Iviel. Let’s get down to business, shall we?” Lyra stepped forward, her staff still glowing faintly. “Business, huh? That usually means you want something

