Kelly Thompson POV

A chill whispered through the grand chamber as Eden emerged from the shadows, the faint light in his eyes casting an ethereal glow on his young face. He moved with a grace that belied his tender years, each step resonating with the quiet confidence of a born protector. Standing firmly beside me, he addressed Paul, his steady voice slicing through the room's tension like a blade forged in certainty.

"Whatever darkness seeks to ensnare our world," Eden said, "we will confront ...