C182 WHEN FLAMES ANSWER BLOOD

Aria felt it before anyone spoke.

Not fear.

Not pain.

Recognition.

It moved through her like a quiet pull that was deep and undeniable, as though something long asleep had turned over in its rest. The Blood King’s gaze remained on her, heavy with calculation, yet it was not he she felt most strongly.

It was the realm itself.

The glowing valley below the balcony pulsed faster now