(Dominic’s POV)
The woods on Ravenwood’s eastern border were quieter than I liked. Too quiet. No birdsong, no rustle of prey—just the whisper of cold wind through the pines and the faint metallic tang of moon herbs. Logan moved beside me, steps light despite the thick undergrowth.
“Half the patrols don’t come this far,” he muttered, brushing a branch aside. “Even the guards think this side of the territory’s cursed.”
“They’re not entirely wrong.” I crouched near a hollow stump, fingers tracing faint sigils burned into the bark. “These markings… they’re wards. Not meant to keep people out. Meant to keep something in.”
Logan grunted. “You think this herbalist of yours dabbles in dark craft?”
“I think,” I said, standing, “we’re about to find out.”
We followed the trail downhill until th
