The sun rose over the mountains like a blessing.
Golden light crept through the broken windows of the cabin, painting the ruined walls in shades of warmth that felt almost foreign after the darkness of battle. Somewhere outside, birds were singing—oblivious to the blood that had soaked the earth just hours ago. Oblivious to the dead. Oblivious to the miracle that three hearts were still beating inside this battered wooden shelter.
Lena opened her eyes slowly.
Her body screamed in protest. Every muscle ached, every bone felt bruised, every breath pulled at wounds she hadn't fully registered. But she was alive. Against all odds, against the army that had come for them, against Magnus's ancient power—she was *alive*.
And she wasn't alone.
---
Kael lay on her left, his massive frame curl
