THIRD PERSON POV

The ritual ground was in chaos as the blinding white light had vanished, but its aftermath lingered like a storm trapped in stone. The floor still crackled with residual energy, and the air was thick with the scent of ozone and something older—something ancient.

Ryker’s heart thundered in his chest as he stormed away from the circle, his cloak billowing behind him while the council of elders followed, their robes rustling, and their expressions grim. Lief and Ezren ...