Chapter 148

*Elora*

The fire in the Portal-Sentry camp didn’t crackle. It pulsed.

Each flicker moved with purpose, as if responding to unseen rhythms I couldn’t hear. The flames were violet-tinged like my own but quieter—measured, ancient. They didn’t threaten. They watched.

So did the people.

Dozens of eyes followed my every step through the stone-etched corridor behind the veiled leader’s tent. No one spoke