VISIONS OF BETRAYAL
The forest had gone quiet, but the silence carried a weight that pressed against Nara’s chest. The shadows had withdrawn for now, but their commander had left an imprint—a lingering presence that felt like eyes watching her soul.
Kael stood nearby, his shadow tendrils curling and shifting, restless and protective. His amber eyes, usually steady, betrayed a flicker of unease. “They’re not done,” he said. “The commander is testing us in ways we can’t fight with claws or magic. This next wave… it’s mind, heart, and soul.”
Nara shivered. Her bloodline pulsed violently as if sensing the looming threat. She had faced illusions before, but nothing like this—a force that could manipulate reality and emotions at the same time.
“Whatever happens,” Kael whispered, pressing a h
