Chapter 49. Aftermath

Rex POV

The world still glowed faintly when I opened my eyes fully. The brilliant light had faded, but its echo remained—humming just beneath my skin, steady and sure, like a river that had finally found its path.

I stood there, cloaked in Aries' shirt, the warmth of his body still lingering in the fabric. My legs trembled, but I planted my feet and squared my shoulders. Around me, the ritual circle was charred, the symbols burned deep into the earth, still pulsing faintly like they knew what had just happened.

I had shifted.

I had returned.

And I was still me.

Aries stood in front of me, his eyes locked on mine like I was both the most fragile and the most terrifying thing he’d ever seen. His gaze glistened with unshed tears and emotions I couldn’t na