Dawn struggled to penetrate the forest canopy, casting slender beams of light through the mist that hung between the ancient trees. The smell of magic—acrid and electric—still clung to their clothes, a reminder of the devastation they had left behind. Samantha's body ached with exhaustion, the child within her sensing her distress, stirring restlessly. But there was no time for rest. Not when Callum's life hung by a thread.
"He's still alive," Kai added quickly. "But barely. We need to get him to Orion now."
Samantha nodded, fighting back tears. "I've done what I needed to do. The Council will be in chaos for days, maybe weeks. It should buy us enough time."
Marcus joined them, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Can you travel? The nearest portal is two miles north."
"Yes," she said firmly, rising to her feet. "Let's go. Every second counts."
