Nora's POV
Relief floods through me the moment I spot Gideon waiting by the ancient oak. Without hesitation, I rush into his embrace, desperate for even a sliver of comfort before facing what's ahead.
"God, I'm so glad you're here," I whisper against his shoulder. "Are you okay? No lingering effects from the demon encounter?"
"I'm perfectly fine," he assures me, pulling back to meet my eyes. "No demonic corruption whatsoever."
"Thank heaven for that."
"Thank you," he corrects, taking my hand as he turns toward the massive tree trunk. My temporary reprieve from suspension allows passage tonight. "You're the one who saved us all."
Together we begin the opening ritual. "Invoco elementum terrae. Invoco elemuntum aeris," Gideon chants.
I join my voice to his. "Invoco elemuntum aqua. Invoco elemuntum ignis." The hollow space within the tree shimmers with ethereal blue light. Hand in hand, we step through the mystical barrier and emerge into our Shadowhaven.
