The journey to the elder's village felt almost surreal. We were cloaked in silence as we all lost ourselves in thought while navigating the rough terrain. The sun hung high in the sky, its warmth washing over us like a soothing balm, a welcome change from the chill that clung to our bones after the battle. I walked beside Liam, our fingers intertwined, each gentle touch offering comfort and reassurance.
I could feel Ari's restlessness inside me. “We did well last night,” she murmured softly in my mind. But this is just the beginning.”
I nodded, my gaze fixed on the path ahead. Ari was right—we hadn’t seen the last of Mariah. Her attack was only the first act in a long and challenging drama. There were many things to consider: the council’s involvement, Liam’s impending betrothal, and the
