Because I am not alone.
Because someone made a tether forme.
And she’s still up there.
Still holding.
Still fighting.
The rift groans, vibrating through my bones.
The current coils tight around my ribs.
And then, light.
A glow, faint at first.
Not from above.
Below.
It pierces the black water in threads of silver and violet, winding like veins through the silt.
I blink.
It’s not rift magic. Not twisted. Not old.
This iswarm.
Steady.
Alive.
The light pulses once, brighter.
I shield my eyes, heart hammering in my throat.
Then it splits the water completely, a column of soft, fierce brilliance rushing toward me like it was summoned by a promise.
And in the center.
I see her.
Hair floating around her like flame.
Eyes locked on mine.
Callie.
Coming for me.
CHAPTER 25
CALLIE
The second I hit the water, I know I’ve done something stupid.
Like,legendarylevels of stupid.