SERAPHINA’S POV
As I withdrew from Celeste’s mind, the weight of the physical world returned slowly, like gravity settling back onto my bones.
For a brief second, the room tilted around me.
Not violently. Not the crushing collapse that had followed the last time I’d forced my way into her memories.
Just a slight dizziness, like surfacing from deep water.
Kieran’s hand immediately tightened at my waist.
“Sera.” His voice was low, sharp with concern.
I steadied myself and drew a quiet breath. The cold stone walls of the Frostbane guest chamber came back into focus.
“I’m okay,” I whispered.
And I was. Maybe Celeste hadn’t resisted as hard as last time. Or maybe I’d grown stronger since the markings appeared on me.
Either way, I was still standing.
That alone
