Adina's POV

I could hardly breathe after the seer vanished into the hallway like a shadow dissolving in smoke. My heart wouldn’t calm down. The Calling of Fire… tomorrow. A ritual I had only heard about in whispers, warnings, and old stories meant to frighten children into obedience and now it was meant for me.

Nathan held me for a few minutes, grounding me, but eventually he released me gently and looked into my eyes.

“I’m here,” he whispered. “Whatever happens.” I nodded, ...