Days passed, long and quiet, filled with tension that clung to every corner of Northridge. The air itself seemed to be filled with unease. The kingdom was restless — warriors arguing in the training grounds, servants whispering in the corridors, elders debating behind closed doors. Ever since the incident with Eve and her crew, nothing had been the same. Rumors of Freya’s transformation spread like wildfire. Some called her a blessing, others a danger. The word hybrid carried both fear and hope in equal measure. Logan had not spoken to her since their confrontation at the training grounds. He kept to his chambers or spent long hours in council meetings, while Freya threw herself into solitude. She rarely left her room except to train or check on Samantha. Nights found her staring out of

