Chapter 102
Cassian's hand didn't stop as it moved toward Ariana, steady and controlled even as the darkness reacted to him. The moment his fingers touched hers, the pressure in the clearing snapped tight, and something shifted in a way none of them were prepared for.
The darkness didn't explode outward this time. Instead, it pulled inward sharply, collapsing toward the point of contact as if something had been forced to change direction.
Ariana's body jerked violently in Kael's arms, her back arching as the mark beneath her skin flared with a sudden, blinding intensity. Kael tightened his hold on her immediately, feeling the force hit him through her as the pull dragged against both of them.
"Ariana," he said, his voice strained, trying to keep her grounded even as the pressure built.
