C191 THE WORLD DES NOT ASK PERMISSION

The sky did not close.

That was the first fact that crept into Aria’s bones.

The breach above them remained open, a pale seam spread across the heavens like a wound that refused to heal. Light leaked through it—not sunshine, nor moonlight, but something thinner, sharper, almost aware.

The forest no longer whispered.

It listened.

Every living thing stood suspended between breath and movement