The adviser stood motionless in the doorway, his eyes fixed on the glowing bracelet around Ella's wrist.
For the first time since Salvador had known him, the man's confidence was gone.
His face had lost all its color.
Felix kept his sword raised.
Harvey stood beside him, blocking the only other visible exit.
Salvador remained between Ella and the adviser.
The golden light from the source continued flowing toward the bracelet, but it no longer seemed violent. Instead, it moved slowly, almost deliberately, as though the ancient magic was studying Ella.
Ella stared at her wrist.
"I don't understand."
Salvador reached for her hand.
The moment their fingers touched, the light became brighter.
Ella gasped.
Salvador immediately pulled back.
"Did I hurt you?"
"No."
She shook her head.
"It just became stronger."
Marcus's words returned to Salvador's mind.
She is your anchor.
He looked at the bracelet.
Then at the glowing source.
Then at the adviser.
