The silence that fell between them lasted only a second.
A second of heavy breathing.
A second of assessment.
A second before the ascent.
Ester closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, there wasn't just focus—there was absolute decision.
The ice that had begun to melt began to expand again.
Not in gentle waves.
But in a radial explosion.
The courtyard floor cracked violently, white fissures advancing in all directions. The mansion walls began to be swallowed by a thick crystalline layer, windows sealed by translucent plates that captured the morning light and distorted it into bluish hues.
The air grew heavy.
Freezing.
The moisture condensed and solidified into tiny particles that floated like diamond dust.
Damon felt the change.
Not just in temperature.
But in pressure.
She was releasing everything.
Without restraint.
Without fear of destroying the surrounding scenery.
He tilted his chin slightly.
Then he moved forward.
But it wasn't a simple run.
