Hayley’s POV

We trudged back to the camp at dawn. Light must have been just filtering between trees with the object firmly nestled against my chests. Cool to the touch, but pulsing an energy that reverberated within me. As I walked, the power of it increased with every step, and I felt its potential weighing down in me.

By my side, Aiden followed, his eyes wary and contemplative towards the sigil. "How are you feeling?" he inquired, softer now, with a shade of worry.

Unsure how best to express the emotional shitstorm churning within me, I hesitated. "It’s... overwhelming," I admitted. The power is unlike anything I've ever experienced.

Finally,...