** Paige’s POV **

I feel it before Ronnie says the words, a subtle pull in my chest, threads tightening between me and each of them, different textures, different temperatures.

“You are Spirit,” Ronnie says to me, his voice steady. “Not light alone. Not life alone. Spirit is will, choice, meaning. You connect what is, what was, and what will be.”

My stomach warms in response, a soft answering thrum that makes my breath hitch.

“And they,” Ronnie continues, turning slightly, ...