Page 58 of Heatbound Hearts

I smile at them. They've both been hard at work as researchers, Bronwyn and I regularly joining in to learn more or help.

"Have you found any clues about where this Nexus might be?" I ask.

Kairos shakes his head, frustration evident in the set of his jaw. "Not yet. But we're close, I can feel it."

Bronwyn pulls up a chair, her eyes already scanning the text. "Let me take a look. Maybe I can spot something with fresh eyes."

I settle in beside her, our shoulders touching. Across the table, I notice Kairos and Naia doing the same, their bond humming with shared purpose. The four of us fall into a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of turning pages or murmured observation.

As the hours pass, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. From strangers thrust together by fate to this – a tight-knit group united in our quest for knowledge and understanding. The bonds between us, both magical and emotional, have grown stronger than I ever could have imagined.

I'm jolted from my concentration by a commotion outside the library. Footsteps thunder down the corridor, and the doorbursts open. A young noctari stands there, panting heavily, his wings quivering with excitement or fear – I can't tell which.

"Have you heard?" he gasps. "More humans... they're appearing all over Nythorra!"

The words hit me like a physical blow. I exchange a stunned glance with Bronwyn, feeling her shock ripple through our bond. Kairos and Naia look equally startled, their earlier excitement replaced by confusion and concern.

"What do you mean, 'appearing'?" I ask, my voice sharp with urgency. "Where? How many?"

The young noctari shakes his head, clearly overwhelmed. "Reports are coming in from all realms. It seems the gods weren't going to let Oltyx be the only one with humans."