Ember frost’s POV

Elder Anna gave a short nod and stepped closer.

For a heartbeat, nothing changed.

Then I felt it. A quiet pull, light but steady, settling somewhere deep inside me. The connection had taken hold.

“Please step outside. We need room to work.”

Eira moved to stand beside me.

Axel stopped so suddenly the others nearly stumbled.

“Isn’t she coming? Why does she get special permission? Just because of her status?”

He jabbed a finger in Eira’s direction, ...