The third day dawned with a sky of smoldering amber, casting golden light across the camp nestled in the Faelands. The air buzzed with tension and magic—something ancient was awakening, and everyone felt it.
Sophia stood at the edge of the clearing, barefoot, the dew-kissed grass curling around her toes like a living thing. Her hair had grown longer overnight, cascading in wavy, auburn flames down her back. The ache in her shoulder blades had worsened, spreading down her spine—her wings were trying to break through.
Lucian watched her from a distance. His wolf had barely slept, pacing through his mind with growing agitation. The way the land responded to Sophia, how the winds bent toward her, how the light seemed to kiss her skin… It was no longer just awakening—it was ascension.
She turned to him suddenly. "Lucian, something is calling me again. Last night, I dreamed of fire and flight… and my mother. I think she's trying to speak to me."
He walked over slowly, his expression guarded. "You're getting stronger fast. Too fast."
"It's not just strength," she whispered, placing a hand over her heart. "It's like the land knows me. Like I was made for this."
Before he could reply, the ground beneath them pulsed. A low hum rose through the camp, and the wolf soldiers instantly rose, hands on weapons, eyes glowing.
Selene stepped out from behind a tree, eyes wide with realization. "The portal is near. It's responding to her power."
Sophia swayed slightly, gripping Lucian's arm. "It's… pulling me."
Without hesitation, Lucian scooped her into his arms. "We go together."
Selene gave a short nod and led the way. The path twisted deeper into the Faelands, veiled with shimmering light. Vines moved aside for Sophia, flowers bloomed at her feet, and animals peeked out from the brush just to see her pass.
Finally, they arrived at a clearing encircled by towering white trees. In the center was a glowing arch made of stone and air—an ancient portal flickering with magic.
Sophia's breath caught. "This… this leads to your kingdom?"
Lucian nodded, eyes on her. "Yes. And once we cross, everything changes."
As they stepped toward it together, Sophia felt the first burn of her wings breaking skin.
And so, they crossed.