Chapter 38
The portal glowed in the sky.
Bright and steady.
The light looked calm, but Ariana could feel the power inside it. It made the air feel sharp, like something was waiting on the other side.
She stood at the edge of the cliff, staring at it.
This was it.
No more running.
No more hiding.
Behind her, the mountain was quiet again.
Dragons stood across the cliffs, their massive bodies still but alert. Their eyes followed her, watching every move.
Kael stepped closer beside her.
"You really plan to go through that."
Ariana kept her eyes on the portal.
"Yes."
Kael crossed his arms.
"You know it is a bad idea."
"I know."
"They can trap you."
"I know."
Kael let out a slow breath.
"You are not making this easy."
Ariana finally turned to look at him.
"I am not trying to."
For a moment, they just stood there.
The wind moved gently around them.
The bond between them pulsed again.
Stronger than before.
Ariana placed her hand lightly over her chest.
