Helena recovered first.
The old archivist pulled a notebook from her bag and began sketching. "The symbols on the walls—they're not just decorative. They're a map."
Kael moved to look over her shoulder. The symbols she was copying formed a pattern he hadn't noticed before. Lines intersecting. Points marked with circles.
"Three points," Helena said. "This one—" she tapped a circle near the bottom, "—matches the location of the tunnel in Portland. The chamber of names."
"And the others?" Lyra asked.
"North and east. Just like the voice said." Helena traced the lines. "The northern point is somewhere in British Columbia. Deep in the Coast Mountains. The eastern point..." She frowned. "This symbol is different. Older. I think it's in the Rocky Mountains. Maybe near the Continental Divide."
Kael studied the map. The northern point was in territory his pack had once claimed, generations ago. The eastern point was nowhere—neutral ground so remote that neither vampire nor wolf had bothered to fight over it.
"We need to go north first," he said. "It's closer. And my father might have records of the area."
Lyra nodded. "Helena, can you stay here? Document everything. We might need more information when we return."
"I can. But be careful. The voice warned that others are searching. If someone else finds the bonds before you—"
"We know."
They left the sanctuary as the sun began to set. The walk down the mountain was quiet. Kael's mind was racing. Three bonds. Three sacred places. A prophecy that spoke of breaking and healing.
"What are you thinking?" Lyra asked.
"That three months ago, I was worried about a Nick Drake album and whether my father would approve of my record collection. Now I'm chasing ancient magic with a vampire I'm in love with."
"Life comes at you fast."
He laughed—a surprised sound that echoed off the trees. "That's what you're going with?"
"It's accurate."
They reached the cars. Helena embraced Lyra briefly, then got into her own vehicle and drove away. Kael and Lyra stood in the gathering darkness.
"North," Lyra said. "British Columbia."
"My father's territory used to extend that far. Before the treaty, the Shadowbane pack controlled most of the Coast Mountains."
"Do you think he knows about the bond? The sacred place?"
"I don't know. But I know wh
o might." He pulled out his phone. "Mira."