The forest swallowed their footsteps, muting them in a hush of leaves and ancient trees. A soft wind wound through the towering pines, whispering secrets to the moss and ferns below. Shafts of sunlight pierced the canopy in golden threads, setting the ground aglow in patches of light that danced with every sway of the trees.
Evanna walked in contemplative silence beside Thorne, each step stirring the layers of damp earth and memories alike. Her mind was a whirlwind of half-formed thoughts, all circling one singular, dangerous question: What if the trick to breaking the curse isn’t awakening Amariel… but letting her sleep forever? Could it truly be that simple?
She stole a glance at Thorne. Would he ever agree to that?
Just as she was getting lost in the spiral of "what-ifs," his voice b
