The forest was too quiet.

Moonlight filtered softly through the silver leaves of the ancient grove, but even it seemed muted—as if the world itself was holding its breath. No birds sang their evening song. No branches rustled in a breeze. Just that heavy, oppressive silence hovered over the clearing where Caleb lay, unconscious but still breathing. His pale face, framed by dark curls, was unnervingly still under the dim glow of spirit-tainted moonlight.

Aria knelt at his side, one hand ...