The moment Celine stepped closer, Ariana could feel the weight of her presence. The air around them seemed to thrum with an unfamiliar energy, making her heart race. Dorian's protective stance was the only thing keeping her grounded, but she knew—something dangerous was in motion.

Celine's smile never wavered as she eyed Ariana, her violet gaze flickering over the runes on her wrists. Ariana instinctively pulled her hands back, hiding the symbols beneath her sleeves, but Celine's gaze never left her.