KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

Panting, chests heaving like bellows stoking a forge, we took a moment to gather ourselves in the aftermath. The air, still thick with the residue of magic and combat, hummed with an energy that prickled against my skin. I glanced at Eden, whose youthful face was painted with both exhilaration and uncertainty. He had grown in more ways than one today.

"Are you hurt?" I asked, touching his shoulder. The concern of a mother clashed with the pride of a queen.

"I'm fine, ...