The air was unnaturally still.
Moonlight, crimson and pulsing like a heartbeat, bathed the cracked stones of the sealed cavern. Aria lay silent against Caleb's chest, her skin clammy, her breath shallow. Rowan knelt nearby, casting protective runes into the dirt with trembling hands. The Circle acolytes stood in a solemn ring, their faces pale with fear and awe.
"Aria?" Caleb whispered, brushing sweat-soaked hair from her forehead. "Come back to me."
But she wasn't there. Not fully.
—
Inside the Dreamwalk
Aria opened her eyes to soft grass and silver trees. A cool wind blew across her cheeks, fragrant with lavender and something older—like time itself had a scent. The forest shimmered with light that didn't come from any sun or moon.
She was barefoot, wearing a white shift. The trees whispered as if remembering her. But there was no comfort here—only unease.
Ahead, a little girl stood in the clearing. Her back was turned, her dark curls swaying. Humming. Familiar.
