The path back to the estae glowed faintly under the twin moons, silver and lavender spilling across the moss-lined stones. None of them spoke for a while—each caught in the memory of that faceless being and its shattering words.
Kai broke the silence first, naturally. "Okay, so, who votes we never attend another fae festival again?"
Samantha shot him a look, though her lips twitched. "We can't avoid the world forever, Kai."
He shrugged. "We could try. Maybe build a nice little hut somewhere the rivers don't talk."
Marcus's voice was low but edged with humor. "You'd last about ten minutes before complaining about the lack of mirrors to flex in."
Kai gasped in mock offense. "Excuse me? I'm deeply spiritual now. I flex only to align my inner wolf chakra."
Even Callum's expression softened—barely. "Your spiritual awakening involves a six-pack."
"That's right," Kai said, grinning. "Balance through abs."
