Caelen’s face was so bloodied and bruised he was nearly unrecognisable.
But we were alive.
“Time to move, Lia,” Rigg called. “We’ve got to get these people to the sanctuary.”
“Phoenix—” Lia broke from the group, ran up to me, and threw her arms around me.
I froze, caught off guard. But then I wrapped my arms around her too.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Lia—”
“I know. You have to go. So do I.” She pulled back, eyes bright. “But when you’re ready—when she’s ready—bring her to Green Valley.”
“Green Valley?” I echoed.
She gave a knowing smile, soft and sure.
“Bring him too,” she whispered.
Up the stairs—Caelen at my back, Lacey behind him.
The tower groaned around us, walls cracked wide open, stone trembling.
It was barely standing.
We had to get out. Fast.
I followed the pull.
That steady tug, growing stronger with every step.
It guided me up a ridge beside the tower, away from the rubble and ruin.
There was something in the air. Something ancient and powerful.
Not like Elira’s shadows—this was older still.
I didn’t know what it was… but I couldn’t help being drawn to it.
Then I saw it.
Lacey froze beside me. “Is that…”
“No way,” Caelen breathed.
Four figures stood before a towering dragon wrought from shadow.
I recognized Leo instantly—bloodied, breathless.
Slade stood beside him, unmoving, jaw clenched, fury in his eyes.
A glint of violet—Maddie.
And the last…
I ran and skidded to a stop at Leo’s side, heart slamming in my chest.
