The unbinding rite exploded around them like a silver hurricane. Aria felt power tearing through her veins as Seraphina's ancient chanting got louder.
But something was wrong—the magic felt hungry, desperate, angry.
"Stop!" Caleb screamed, his golden light flashing wildly. "You don't understand what you're unleashing!"
Before anyone could react, the tower door crashed open. Cyrus burst in, his green eyes wild with fear.
"The castle's falling!" he yelled. "Rogues everywhere, people dying—"
He stopped short, looking at the swirling magical energy. "What is this?"
"Salvation," Aria gasped, trying to control the power ripping through her body.
"Destruction," Caleb replied, still clutching his head. "The ancient sounds are screaming. Something's coming. Something worse than rogues."
Cyrus's gaze darted between his brothers and Aria. "I don't care about sounds or magic. Father sent me to find you."
"Father can wait," Caden snapped. "We're trying to save everyone."
