Weeks passed after the Heartshard was hidden in the unforgiving depths of the Spine of Thorns. Highridge Fortress returned to its quiet rhythm: the clang of steel from training yards, the laughter of children, and the rustle of scrolls in the council chambers. But for Kaelin, peace remained a fragile illusion.
She had kept the secret of the Heartshard’s vision locked deep inside her. The image of Seren’s lifeless body haunted her, curling into her dreams like a flame refusing to die. She trained harder. Watched the horizon more. Held Seren tighter.
Theron noticed.
One evening, while sparring on the high terrace under a cloud-pocked sky, he lowered his sword mid-duel.
"You're pushing too hard," he said, sweat trailing down his jaw.
Kaelin wiped her brow with the edge of her sleeve. "I
