Chapter 36
The moment the witch said, "Show us," the entire cliff went still. No one moved, and even the dragons above held their positions in the sky, their wings barely shifting. Every bloodline stood exactly where they were, their attention locked on Ariana. They weren't waiting for a fight, they were waiting for her.
Ariana felt it settle over her slowly. It wasn't sharp like fear or overwhelming like the Abyss, but something steadier and heavier. The pressure came from every direction, quiet but undeniable. This wasn't a battle, it was judgment.
Kael stepped closer to her side, his voice low and steady. "You don't have to prove anything to them." Ariana glanced at him briefly before looking forward again. "I know," she said, "but if I don't, they won't stop."
