Chapter 120

It hits like a cold knife behind my ribs.

One second, I’m steady, anchored in Kaelen’s arms, the world humming with quiet promise.

The next—

Everything inside me goes sharp.

The leyline under the cliff pulses once.

Then again, harder.

Then—

Zarek’s presence slams into me.

Not physically.

Not like claws or flame.

But like a shadow falling over my soul.

I stagger, clutching Kaelen’s forearm.

He catc