** Paige’s POV **

The field goes silent, like the world itself is holding its breath.

I stare at my hands. They’re glowing. It’s not the sharp, radiant gold I’m used to. This is softer, deeper somehow. It pulses slowly, steadily, like a heartbeat that isn’t mine alone.

“Ronnie,” Ryder says carefully. “Explain. Now.”

I don’t look up. I’m afraid that if I do, something else will happen.

“I felt it before you shouted,” I whisper. “It was like the ground answered ...