Aria's POV
I ran fast. The forest blurred around me as I pushed my body harder. By the time I reached the altar ruins on Grayson land, my lungs burned.
The ancient stone structure was cracked and partially collapsed, but the energy remained. I could feel it beneath the earth.
I stepped closer. Lydia stirred. I froze.
Lydia?
There was nothing, but I could feel her more clearly. I placed both hands against the stone. The residual energy flowed through me. I closed my eyes.
Lydia.
This time, I felt something, a faint flicker. Like a heartbeat.
My breath caught.
"You're there."
No words came, but the presence became stronger. I sank to my knees.
"I know you're still there." My fingers tightened around the stone. "You have to fight."
A faint pulse answered me. Tears burned my eyes.
