The midday sun streamed faintly through the cracks of the wooden hut, scattering lines of light across the floor. Arden lay motionless, his breathing shallow and uneven. Inside his mind, the flood of memories refused to fade, his mother’s worried voice, his sisters’ laughter, Sola’s lifeless body, Duke’s last bitter words, the clash with Zerath, and the terrifying moment inside the temple.His chest tightened as every image came rushing back, pain filling every corner of his thoughts. Suddenly, his eyes shot open. Sweat covered his forehead, and his hand clenched weakly against the bed.He turned his head and saw Lina beside him, her head resting gently on her folded arms, asleep. Her face looked peaceful, though faint traces of exhaustion showed beneath her eyes. At the far end of the room, Maya was also asleep, her breathing steady, but her expression hinted at unease.Arden stared quietly for a long moment. The silence in the hut was almost deafening, interrupted only by the fai

Three days had passed since they began their journey back to Eldervale. The road was long and quiet, the kind that made every thought feel heavier. Arden led the way, his eyes fixed ahead, but his mind was miles away. He hadn’t said much since they left the hut.Maya walked behind him, her steps uncertain. Her fingers kept brushing the side of her hand where the serpent mark rested. She was deep in her thoughts, her fears whispering louder with every mile.Lina glanced between them, sensing the tension in the air. “You’ve both been quiet,” she said softly, breaking the silence. “Is Eldervale really that bad?”Arden didn’t look back. “It’s not the place,” he muttered. “It’s the people. I was banished once. Going back feels like walking into a cage.”Maya lowered her gaze. “At least they knew you. If they find out about what I carry, they won’t just banish me—they’ll torment me.”Lina frowned. “You both sound like you’re heading toward your graves instead of home.”Arden let out a dr

Arden stood quietly in front of his family hut, his heart pounding. The old wood looked just the same as he remembered. Maya and Lina stood behind him, both unsure what to expect. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.Moments later, the door creaked open. Shina stood there — her eyes widened the instant she saw him. For a second, she didn’t move. Then her hands trembled as tears welled in her eyes.“Arden… my son?” she whispered, her voice shaking.Arden smiled faintly, his throat tightening. “It’s me, Mother.”Shina’s tears spilled over as she threw her arms around him. “I thought I’d never see you again,” she cried. “You and Maya—oh, my heart!” She pulled Maya into her embrace, unable to contain her joy. “You’re both safe!”Leina and Fira, hearing the commotion, rushed out. “Brother!” they shouted together, leaping into Arden’s arms.He hugged them tightly, his voice breaking. “You’ve grown so much… I missed you all.”They all stood there, wrapped in warmth and disbelief

It was midday, and the sunlight streamed through the cracks of the hut’s window as Arden sat silently, lost in thought. The voice of Narlok echoed deep within him.“Your mother hides something from you, vessel,” the demon said in a low, rumbling tone that stirred in Arden’s mind. “You can sense it, can’t you? Her hesitation, her fear.”Arden sighed, pressing his hand against his forehead. “Enough, Narlok. I’ve heard enough of your riddles. My mother has done nothing wrong. I won’t let you poison my thoughts.”“You deny the truth even when it stands before you,” Narlok hissed. “She knows more about the seal than you think.”Arden stood up abruptly. “Stop talking about her!” he snapped under his breath. “I said stop—”Before he could finish, the door flung open. Lina ran in, her face pale and filled with panic. “Arden!” she gasped. “Something’s wrong with Maya! Her eyes— they’ve turned green again, and those scales, they’re appearing on her skin!”Arden’s expression changed immediate