Evelyn's POV

The scent of dried herbs and ancient magic wraps around me as I step into Helena's cottage, my heart still racing from what I witnessed through Gaia's window. She returned to the compound looking like a ghost—pale, hollow, her eyes red-rimmed and empty. Whatever happened in that forest shattered something inside her.

And I know exactly who made it happen.

"Helena." I don't bother with formalities. The High Priestess stands by her hearth, silver hair cascading ...