Chapter 181

That was the mistake everyone almost made—thinking exile meant retreat. But exile only works on those who still need a home.

By nightfall, the borders began to hum.

Not alarms.

Not intrusions.

Recognition.

Kaia stood at the edge of the watchtower, the wind pulling at her hair, the mark beneath her skin responding like a low tide shifting.

“She’s circling,” she said.

Caleb joined her, cloak heavy on his shoulders. “Testing the edges.”

“No,” Kaia replied. ...