The wind howled through the forest like a wounded animal as the group retreated from the ruins. Rhea stumbled over gnarled roots, her breath ragged, Eli's final words echoing through her mind like thunder in a storm.
Now you understand. Choose wisely.
They didn’t stop until the cursed mist thinned and the trees widened, giving way to an old hunter’s clearing long since reclaimed by moss and silence. Lucci paced the perimeter while Ronan stood watch at the ridge. Vira and Kael flanked the edge of the clearing, keeping low and quiet. Noma passed Rhea a flask of something strong—liquid fire that burned her throat and steadied her hands.
“What did you see?” Lucci asked as he knelt in front of her.
Rhea didn’t answer right away. She stared into the fire Kael had started, watching the flames
