Book Two – Chapter 11
Into the Emerald Kingdom
Dawn broke beneath a sky washed in silver and gold.
The celebration was over.
A new journey was about to begin.
The Council gathered beneath the Moon Tree, where the single black blossom still clung stubbornly to one branch. Dark veins had spread farther overnight, reaching toward the heart of the young tree.
Elder Rowan rested a weathered hand against the trunk.
"We have little time."
"If the corruption reaches the roots..."
He didn't need to finish.
Everyone understood.
The Moon Tree would die.
And with it, the hope that had only just begun to grow.
---
Inside the council chamber, a map of the northern wilderness lay spread across the table.
Cassiel traced a narrow path with his finger.
"There is only one safe entrance to the
