The shift in the air came before the presence fully appeared.
It wasn't loud, nor was it overwhelming in the way raw power usually manifested. Instead, it was structured—tight, deliberate, and controlled in a way that immediately separated it from everything Adrian had encountered so far.
This wasn't curiosity.
This wasn't observation.
This was response.
Adrian slowed his steps, his gaze fixed ahead as the faint distortion in the space became visible. It wasn't a break in reality, nor was it an obvious portal. It was more subtle than that, like the environment itself was adjusting to allow something through.
"They're not hiding it," Kaelith said quietly, her posture already shifting into readiness.
"No," Seraphine added, her voice calm but focused. "This is intentional."
Lyra's lips curved slightly, her expression sharpening with anticipation. "Finally."
Aria stayed close, her voice lower than before. "This feels… different."
