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