Kora’s POV
The journey north began under a red dawn. The air smelled of ash and frost, the wind sharp enough to bite through fur and armor alike. Behind us, the Vale still smoldered — a silent monument to what we’d lost and what we’d chosen to become.
We moved in a long, winding line: wolves padding silently beside wagons, mages cloaked in smoke and exhaustion, humans pushing carts full of salvaged weapons and herbs. What was left of our world followed us, one trembling step at a time.
Edward rode ahead, his black coat fluttering behind him, his presence steady as the morning star. Even weakened, his power radiated — calm but unyielding. Every so often, he would glance back, his eyes finding mine, and I could feel his thoughts through the bond.
Keep moving. Don’t stop. We’re almost fre
