The first dawn after the ritual broke like spilled light across the glade. Mist drifted between the trees, carrying the scent of moonfire and roses.
June stirred first, her head resting against Ahliana’s shoulder. The air was still charged with their joined power; threads of silver and green danced faintly across their skin. Somewhere deep inside, Juniper purred contentedly, while Ember hummed with soft, glowing pride.
“You feel it too,” June murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
Ahliana nodded, eyes half-lidded. “Our bond settled during the night. Wynter and Star are quiet—but I can feel them listening.”
June smiled faintly. “Juniper says Wynter is pacing.”
Ahliana laughed softly. “She always does when she’s restless.”
But then her gaze drifted toward the distant horizon, and her ex
