The journey to the northern mountains took two days.
Two days of cold wind, rocky trails, and uneasy silence.
No one spoke much.
Even Kael had stopped arguing with Seraphine.
Mostly.
Ophelia rode near the front beside Leonidas.
Behind them came the seven Guardians.
Seraphine rode alone at the back.
The Black Sovereign had remained in Raven's Creek.
He claimed the town needed someone who understood the Forgotten One.
Ophelia suspected there was another reason.
He was afraid of what he might discover if he followed them.
As the mountains grew closer, Ophelia felt the golden rose on her palm begin to burn.
She looked down.
The crimson line had returned.
Leonidas noticed.
"Again?"
She nodded.
Seraphine called from behind them.
"It's reacting to the lock."
Ophelia looked bac
