**Chapter 28 — The Rift's Edge**
The neutral enclave appeared like a ghost from another age.
Hidden deep within the fractured wilds, it was a cluster of ancient stone towers and vine-covered halls built around a massive, cracked obelisk that still hummed with faint neutral magic. The air here felt different — calmer, but heavy with the weight of old secrets. Witches and rogue wizards moved between the ruins, their eyes wary as they watched the newcomers approach.
Liora walked beside Cairis, her body still humming with the aftershocks of the rift. The bite marks on her neck throbbed with a dark, possessive heat that made her hyper-aware of every step. Shadows curled lazily around her fingers, responsive and eager, no longer fighting her will.
Cairis looked every inch the restored demon prince. Power radiated from him in visible waves. His horns gleamed sharper, his eyes burned brighter crimson, and the shadows around his shoulders moved with sentient purpose.
