The moment the last barrier collapsed, the heavy darkness of Shadowpine dissolved like mist.
Light rushed in.
The six of them blinked—and suddenly, the forest was gone.
They were back at the school grounds.
The air felt normal again, warm and familiar, but the silence between them was thick. No one spoke at first. Everyone was still trying to process what had just happened.
Mira was the first to move. She rushed to Liana and held her arm gently.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly.
Liana nodded, though her face said otherwise.
"I'm fine," she replied, her voice low.
Morris stepped closer, placing a calming hand on her back. His touch was steady, reassuring.
"You did great," he said. "Just rest, okay?"
Liana managed a small smile. "Thank you."
Ryan checked on the twins one last time. Alex and Aiden both nodded, assuring everyone they were alright. The mission was considered complete—for now.
The teachers quickly dismissed them, instructing everyone to return to their rooms and rest.
---
Later… Liana's Room
Mira stayed close to Liana the entire walk back. She noticed the way Liana kept pressing her fingers together, the way her eyes seemed distant.
"You've been quiet since we came back," Mira said gently as they entered the room. "What's wrong?"
Liana hesitated.
She didn't want to talk about Kael.
She couldn't.
Instead, she chose her words carefully.
"Since I came to this school…" Liana began slowly, "…my power hasn't been working. Not even a little."
Mira frowned. "That's strange. You've always had control."
"I know," Liana replied. "That's why it's worrying me."
She didn't say anything else out loud.
But inside her mind, the thoughts wouldn't stop.
Why am I feeling this again?
This bond… it feels the same as before.
Why do I feel his worry so clearly?
Her chest tightened.
Is my power coming back? Or… is something else wrong?
Mira reached out and held her hand. "Don't think too much tonight. You need rest."
Liana nodded.
Morris stood up. "I'll check on you later," he said softly before leaving.
Mira stayed with Liana, talking about random things—school, classes, anything to distract her. Eventually, Zara joined them, and the room felt a little lighter.
Still, Liana couldn't shake the feeling.
That pull.
That silent connection.
---
Elsewhere… Kael
Kael had just arrived back at the school when his steps slowed.
He stopped abruptly.
His chest tightened.
There it was.
The bond.
Clear. Sharp. Alive.
"She's scared," he muttered under his breath.
Not injured.
Not in danger.
But confused.
And worried.
Kael closed his eyes, clenching his fist.
Why now?
Why does it feel the same as before her power vanished?
Something was wrong. Very wrong.
He turned to one of his wolves.
"Find Liana," he ordered calmly. "Bring her to me—gently. Don't scare her."
The wolf bowed and disappeared.
Kael remained where he stood, his expression dark with worry.
Whatever Cain Valerius showed her…
It's affecting the bond.
And Kael knew one thing for certain.
This was only the beginning.
---