The sanctuary felt it before it happened.
A low vibration beneath the stone—subtle, unnatural.
Kael stood at the wall, eyes fixed on the horizon.
"It's not an attack," he said.
Lira stepped beside him. "Then what is it?"
Kael's voice lowered.
"A signal."
Below, Seris barked orders. Patrols shifted. Torren rallied fighters.
Nyra joined quietly. "It feels… organized."
Silas added, "Something is coordinating them."
Aelira narrowed her eyes. "Then we're already behind."
Kael clenched his jaw.
Inside him, the flame pulsed.
Not in fear.
Recognition.
"They're not testing us anymore," he said.
"They're preparing."
And far beyond the walls—
Something answered.