Chapter 82
Ariana stayed where she was, but the stillness didn't feel the same anymore. Whatever had spoken before hadn't disappeared, and she could feel it lingering just beneath the surface, like it was waiting for her to react again. This time, she didn't question what she had heard.
It wasn't Kael.
The realization didn't settle. It tightened, pulling at her chest in a way that made the space around her feel smaller, closer, like something had already stepped in without needing to show itself. Ariana drew in a slow breath and forced it to steady before turning slightly toward Kyrindor, who hadn't moved at all.
"You heard it," she said, her voice controlled but tight.
"I did," Kyrindor replied without hesitation, his gaze fixed on her in a way that made it clear he had felt more than just the sound.
Ariana held his gaze, not letting the silence stretch. "Then tell me what that was."
