STAMPED AND SEALED

{ "Each spell invites a dance of energies unseen."}

TOR'S POV

The backyard felt too quiet. Just me and Freyr under the weight of a dying sun, the shadows of the Mira house stretching long behind us. I should have felt safe here; this was supposed to be neutral ground, but my skin itched with unease. I watched Freyr pace, his hands buried in his pockets like he was trying to hide the tension rolling off him. I could not stand it anymore. I crossed the cracked stone path in two strides and grabbed his arm, forcing him to look at me.

"They know," I said, voice low, rough. " Lord Marcel, Asa Marcel. That... thing from Blood Stone Mountain." I swallowed hard, tasting ash. "They know about us."

Freyr's eyes narrowed, that impossible blue darkening. "You don't know that."