Kael’s POV

The obsidian door towered before us like a sleeping beast. The silver rune carved across it pulsed with a rhythm that mimicked a heartbeat. One that didn’t belong to any of us.

This wasn’t just a seal.

It was a warning.

Lola stood still, her hand lightly extended as if listening to something only she could hear. Her eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, casting silver reflections across the stone.

“We’re not alone,” she said softly.

I tightened my grip on my blade, positioning myself slightly in front of her out of instinct, even though I knew she hated that. My body vibrated with tension, not fear, not...