"In a world of shifting loyalties and fading stars, I found my forever in you." — Aurora Jade
The marble halls of the Paradise Coven never quite lost their chill, even beneath the burnished sun pouring through the arched windows. But today, it was not the cold that curled through my chest. It was the memory of poisoned water and off-corrupted tides. Of Ashanai's voice echoing through the sea like rot spreading under skin.
We had barely stepped through the threshold of the main council chamber before the elders rose from their seats, their robes sweeping like shadows across the onyx floor. Nessa moved beside me, steady and quiet, her presence grounding mine. Behind us, Captain Belisont stood tall and unflinching ever the soldier, even with salt still crusted in his dark curls from the Bay.
"I see the sea following your home," murmured Elder Caelum, voice calm but eyes sharp.
I inclined my head. "It did more than follow, my lord. It tried to drown everything in its path."
