Chapter 25: Sacred Bonds and Family Ties
(Scarlett's POV)
The trek into neutral territory felt heavier than I anticipated. The land seemed to hum with an otherworldly weight, and the very air felt charged. Every step brought us closer to Elder Margaret’s den, and my stomach twisted with each step.
Steven walked ahead of me, his tall frame unyielding, his strides confident as ever. I hated how unaffected he looked. Me? I couldn’t stop adjusting my ceremonial robes every two seconds. Did this fold look right? Was I glowing too much? What if I wasn’t what Elder Margaret expected from someone “worthy” of tying herself to Steven?
“Stop fidgeting,” his voice, unmistakably clipped, floated back.
I straightened my back. “I’m not fidgeting. I’m... ensuring I look presentable.”
“You spen
