The victory meant nothing.
Not really.
The Shadow King had retreated, but not defeated.
Lucien had disappeared, but not destroyed.
And Ivy?
She couldn’t sleep.
Not because of the pain.
But because of the pull.
The Shadow Realm was calling her.
Three days after the battle, Ivy stood in the war tent, her generals spread before her. The scent of blood and magic still lingered on their armor.
“We have two choices,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm in her chest. “Wait for him to strike again... or strike first.”
Kael frowned. “You’re not seriously considering—”
“I am.”
Jax looked between them. “Wait—what’s she planning?”
“I’m going in,” Ivy said. “Into the Shadow Realm.”
Silence.
Velar’s eyes narrowed. “You’d never make it out.”
“She’s not just anyone,” Liora said.
