Aeris’s pov
The night faded, and morning peeked through the thick snow clouds, casting a pale light across the land. Harsh winds swept through the northern valley as I stood at the balcony, gazing into the empty, frost-covered expanse. The fear of the approaching war gnawed at me, creeping closer with every passing moment. We weren’t ready, not for something of this magnitude. I had boldly accepted the challenge Nathaniel presented, but deep down, I was still unsure. These new abilities I had recently discovered felt unstable. I was still learning, still trying to understand them. What if I lost everything in the wake of this bitter rivalry?
I heard Caspian's approach behind me before he spoke—his familiar, masculine scent, always grounding me in moments like this. There was a calm stren
