The sun dipped low behind the canopy of Moonstone Sanctuary, casting golden rays across the silent forest as Aria sat alone near the crescent-shaped altar. Smoke curled from the incense Solene had lit earlier for clarity—an ancient blend of sage, moonflower, and spirit thistle. Its scent was heady, almost hypnotic, but Aria’s thoughts were too tangled to unravel.

Elena lay resting inside the Sanctuary’s heart chamber. Though her body was still, something shifted in her spirit—Aria ...