Chapter 38
The portal glowed in the sky, bright and steady. The light looked calm, but Ariana could feel the power inside it, sharp and aware, like something watching her from the other side. She stood at the edge of the cliff, staring at it, knowing there was no turning back now. No more running, no more waiting.
Behind her, the mountain had gone quiet again. Dragons stood across the cliffs, their massive bodies still but alert, their eyes fixed on her. Even without speaking, their presence felt like silent support, steady and unshaken. It made the choice feel heavier, not easier.
Kael stepped closer beside her, his gaze fixed on the portal. "You really plan to go through that," he said, his voice calm but tight beneath the surface. Ariana didn't look away. "Yes."
Kael crossed his arms, his expression hardening slightly. "You know it's a bad idea." Ariana nodded once. "I know."
