Chapter 66 — The Heart of Shadows
The ridge was silent that morning. Not peaceful — silent. The kind of silence that made the world feel like it was holding its breath. The mist clung to the trees, thick and cold, curling around Arin and Lyra as they followed the narrow path leading into the forest’s heart.
Arin walked ahead, his cloak drawn tight, his thoughts far away. The Heart of Flame pulsed faintly against his chest beneath the fabric — a reminder of both triumph and burden. Each beat of its light felt heavier now, as though it knew what lay ahead.
Lyra followed close behind, her bow slung over her shoulder. She glanced at him, her brow furrowed. “You haven’t said a word since dawn.”
He didn’t look back. “Words won’t change where we’re going.”
“You sound like Elder Rowan,” she m
