The Hollow bent away from him.
Branches recoiled.
Wind cut in reverse.
Even the moss withdrew from Bondborn's feet as he stepped deeper into the sanctuary.
He didn’t belong here.
And yet the barrier had allowed him inside.
Aurelia felt that contradiction like a blade between her ribs.
Kane moved in front of her, half-shifted, fur bristling, fangs bared.
“Take one more step,” he growled, “and I will rip you apart.”
The Bondborn didn’t even acknowledge him. His gaze remained fixed on Aurelia steady, unreadable, ancient.
“You have awakened your core,” Bondborn said. “Now you must choose your path.”
Aurelia forced herself to step forward, even though her legs trembled from the Hollow’s earlier surge.
“I’m done with your riddles,” she said, voice tight. “Speak plainly.”
The Bondb
