C58 THE DARKNESS THAT EXISTS BETWEEN HEARTS

The world has not yet chosen whether it will survive or die.

Crimson light spilled across the damaged sky, trickling into the torn horizon like ink through water. The air smelled like burning and rain – strong, metallic, alive. The aftermath of battle still hummed beneath Elara’s skin, like the echo of a cry that refused to fade.

She knelt beside Damon.

His body trembled with faint