The journal felt heavier than it should have.
Rainwater dripped from its worn leather cover as Nyra stared at the symbol branded into the front, her father's mark standing out even after all these years. The storm raged around them with relentless fury, thunder shaking the mountains while cold wind swept across the ridge, yet none of it seemed capable of pulling her attention away from what she held in her hands.
Darius remained beside her.
Close.
Steady.
Not speaking.
Not rushing her.
Because he knew this wasn't something that could be forced.
The old wolf watched quietly from across the narrow stretch of muddy ground separating the two groups.
"You already know part of the truth," he said carefully.
Nyra looked up.
Water ran down her face, mixing with rain.
"Kael told me."
T
