Ash fell like snow from the sky.
The remnants of the Flameborn court's awakening pulsed in the distance, a burning crown of energy silhouetted against the twilight horizon. The forest that bordered the ruins still smoldered, blackened trees stretching like charred bones into the sky.
Aria stood at the edge of the ridge, her cloak fluttering behind her as the wind carried whispers that only she could hear now. Ever since the crown had accepted her — no, chosen her — a strange awareness had bloomed within her, something ancient and knowing. She could feel the world breathing, and the scars it bore.
The triplets stood just behind her — Dorian with his jaw clenched and arms crossed, Tobias with his hand on his sword hilt, and Marcus... watching her like he could see the change in her bones.
"We don't have time to wait," Tobias said, scanning the treeline below. "The Hollow Fang will strike again. This... calm? It's a trap."
Marcus shifted. "It always is."
