Chapter 103
Kael moved again, and this time there was no pause before it happened. The step came naturally, almost quietly, as if his body had already decided before his mind could catch up, and Ariana shifted with him without resistance.
"Kael, stop," Mira said, her voice sharp as she stepped directly into his path, but he didn't slow down. He adjusted slightly instead, guiding Ariana with him as if avoiding her had been instinctive rather than intentional.
The ground beneath them reacted at once, the roots tightening as the domain pressed inward in an attempt to hold them back. The air grew heavier, not enough to stop him, but enough to make every movement feel like it was being watched and measured.
Kyrindor stepped forward, his presence deepening as he forced the space to hold together. "You cannot move her forward," he said, his voice steady but edged with strain. "The path is not stable."
