The sanctuary had never felt so still. The usual hum of quiet magic that filled the air now carried a sense of anticipation, as if the very trees and stones were bracing for what was to come. Each day was spent in preparation—defensive spells were woven into the earth, weapons were forged and sharpened, and Liora’s heart raced with the knowledge that this calm would not last. Kaelan’s forces would come, and soon.
Liora stood at the edge of the sanctuary, her hands glowing faintly with magic as she practiced controlling the power she had taken from the fae prince. The Heart of Thorns’ magic was still volatile, still difficult to manage. Every time she tapped into it, it pushed back against her, wild and dangerous, as if it was testing her resolve. But she had grown stronger. Day by day, sh
