C92 THE FIRST HEIR OPENS HIS EYES

The moment Elara heard that voice—his voice—the world around her stopped breathing.

The trees didn’t sway.

The wind didn’t move.

Even Damon’s flames stilled, shrinking down like they sensed something ancient and horrible waking in the distance.

Elara gripped Damon’s arm, nails digging into his flesh without meaning to. Her heartbeat slammed against her ribs, not fast—but heavy