RAVENNA
The forest was different at night. It wasn’t quieter, just watchful.
Every tree felt like it was leaning in and every wind felt like it whispered secrets. Yet, Kael walked ahead like he belonged here, like the darkness curved itself around him in reverence.
I followed in silence, boots sinking into thick moss, my body tense with exhaustion, nerves and something I couldn’t name.
We haven’t spoken since leaving the edge of the war room.
His vow still echoed in my mind. “I will bring your daughter back, unharmed, I swear to you.”
He said it like a promise sealed in blood. A part of me wanted to believe him, desperately, but the rest of me was holding onto fear with a clenched jaw and fist that wouldn’t stop shaking.
He paused suddenly.
“We’ll stop here for a moment,” he said
