But suddenly, she took a step back. Her eyes darted between Eldric and Kaelan, wide with a mixture of astonishment and alarm. Without a word, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, her form blending into the swirling festival as though she’d never been there at all.

Kaelan’s hand dropped to his side. “Did…did she just…?”

Eldric’s gaze followed the path she had taken, jaw tight and eyes narrowed. He took a step forward, instinctively pushing through the crowd, his intense focus now sharper than ever. Kaelan, too, shook himself from the shock, his pulse pounding. He had no idea how to make sense of this twist in fate, but he knew he couldn’t let her go.

Together, they moved through the throng, each driven by the same invisible force that had first drawn them to her. Strangers’ faces blurred past them as they scanned the crowd, desperate to catch a glimpse of her. But she was gone, as if the night itself had swallowed her.

The winter solstice lights flickered on, casting long shadows as the brothers split up to search every corner of the town square and beyond, weaving through the alleys of Vayrmont. Both of them had felt the connection of their soulmate—both knew they couldn’t walk away from this without understanding. It was a mystery neither brother could solve alone, and one that would drive them to the far reaches of Irselion if that’s what it took.