Chapter 105: The Ritual

Serena POV

Dawn came without warmth.

The sky over Nightshade was the color of bruised silver, the sun a distant promise that refused to touch the ground. Fog clung to the courtyard stones like a living thing, coiling around ankles, whispering along walls. Even the birds were silent—as if the world itself was holding its breath.

Leo lay at the center of the ritual circle.

Too small.

Too still.

My chest ached every time I looked at him.

Runes carved by hands older ...