The morning sun cast long shadows across the meadow as Skye and Eryx made their way toward the ancient oak that marked the boundary between their lands. Three days had passed since the battle, and though peace had returned to the kingdom, whispers of unrest still lingered in the air.
“Are you certain about this?” Skye asked, her fingers intertwined with his. “The Council hasn’t met in generations.”
Eryx’s jaw tightened. “We have no choice. The boundary stones are weakening. If we don’t act now, the Veil will thin completely.”
They reached the oak, its massive trunk scarred with symbols that pulsed faintly in the morning light. Skye placed her palm against the rough bark, feeling the ancient magic hum beneath her touch.
“I’ve never summoned the Council before,” she admitted. “What if th
