The first light of dawn painted the Moonstone Sanctuary in hues of gold and rose. Soft wind rippled through the broken leaves, whispering a lullaby the land hadn’t heard in years—peace. It was fragile, tentative, but real.

Aria stood on the ridge overlooking the valley below, arms crossed as sunlight kissed her skin. Her hair fluttered around her face, and the last remnants of starlight clung to her fingertips. Behind her, the Circle moved quietly through the sanctuary ruins, helping the ...