Mira’s POV

We reached the old river towns by nightfall. Lyra scanned the perimeter. “Energy traces. Ritual marks. Not fresh, but not old.” Cyrus said, “They were here.” Kael added, “They left in a hurry. No covering spells. That’s sloppy.” I walked to the old chapel. Elen followed. Inside, the walls still hummed. I said, “This is where they tried to anchor the twins.” Lyra checked the floor. “Spiritual burn lines. But only one activation.”

“Then one was marked,” I ...