AYLA – POV
I woke to Kael's arm wrapped around me, his breath low in the space between us. The valley's dawn light filtered through ash-streaked windows. Everything felt fragile, suspended. Just like us.
Last night's submission wasn't forgiveness—it was waiting. The Council chose to yield... for now. But their eyes still smoldered with judgment. The debt they'd deferred would return.
My bones ached with transformation. Once a healer, I now carried the First Luna within. Power that didn't settle quietly. It burned. Glittered. Called.
Kael shifted and I turned to face him. His grey eyes held careful devotion—warrior and king, guard and lover.
"We wait," he murmured. "Lean on me."
That was all it took, learning.
An hour later, Council horns split the valley air. Three horns. Sharp and demanding.
They returned.
Priests marched down the ridge into view. Hundreds this time—jewels on robes, banners high, robes clean of ash. Judgment in their steps.
