Rowan’s eyes were pits of midnight. No starlight, no soul. Just void.

And in that void, something ancient whispered with a voice that didn’t belong in any realm.

Caleb choked under Rowan’s grip, his feet lifting off the forest floor. His hands clawed at Rowan’s arm, but the force wasn’t Rowan’s alone—it was something darker, colder. It wasn’t flesh that held him. It was godhood twisted through a dying body.

“Rowan!” Aria screamed, rushing forward.

Elena lunged with her, ...