Chapter 196

Kaia steadied herself first. Not because she was the strongest—but because she had learned what it meant to stand without bracing. She drew a slow breath and felt the mark respond, not by filling, but by opening.

“This thing,” she said quietly, “was never meant to be carried.”

Selena swallowed. “Then why does it keep choosing us?”

“It didn’t choose,” Kaia replied. “It was divided. Forced small enough to survive.”

Caleb’s gaze moved between them, sharp ...