Chapter 47
Ariana did not move right away. She stood where she was, facing the other version of herself as the space around them slowly settled into a heavy and unnatural silence. The ground beneath her feet continued to pulse faintly, like something alive breathing beneath the surface, steady and patient in a way that made it impossible to ignore. Her heart had not slowed since the fall, and it had not calmed after everything she had seen or felt inside her own power. The weight of it remained, pressing against her chest, refusing to fade, like it had already decided it wasn't going anywhere.
The other Ariana watched her quietly. There was no pressure anymore, no mocking tone, and no attempt to force her forward. That change unsettled Ariana more than anything else. It felt wrong in a way she could not explain, like something had already been decided and she was the only one who had not caught up yet. Like she was already moving toward an outcome she hadn't agreed to.
