Chapter 136
The moment the presence settled fully on Ariana, the difference became impossible to ignore.
It was no longer forcing its way through Kael or pressing outward against the clearing. It had shifted completely, closing in around her with a quiet certainty that made the space feel smaller, tighter, as if everything else had been pushed aside.
Ariana felt it beneath her skin.
Not as something foreign, but as something searching, pressing carefully instead of striking, as if it already knew where to look. The gold within her reacted immediately, rising in response, but it didn't lash out the way it had before. It held close, resisting without breaking the contact.
Kael felt the change at the same time.
His grip tightened sharply around her hand, pulling her closer without hesitation. His other hand rose to her shoulder, steadying her as his body shifted in front of hers, placing himself between her and the pressure even though he didn't let go.
