to bury. Tonight was no different. As the flickering candlelight danced against the walls of the reb

se years ago. The scent of dried leaves and earth still lingered faintly, a reminder of the journey

and his thoughts drifted to Elara-the woman who ha

: the day she told him s

g. "When you left, I was desperate. Father's illness worsened, a

her to wait just a little longer. But the fear in

ot betrayal born of love for another, but sacrifice forced by ci

room quietly, her expression softeni

e herb," she said gentl

er family in the only way she could.

times the heart's hardest ba

arp rap on the door. Jorin, the young re

g it to Alaric. The seal was unfamil

broke the seal and unfolded t

ar

rd Riven's grip tightens, and I fear for my life-and for the city. The herb you broug

by the river at dawn. Ther

l

This was more than a mes

d willow, its branches swaying gently in the morning br

," she sa

I would," Al

"This belonged to my mother. It speaks of the herb's true power-not

ows this. He fears what it could

tten pact between the people and the land-a pact that granted healing but demanded balance. If

n Alaric's heart. This was the key

in the city, her ties to Lord Riven, and the danger t

so long to tell

e," she admitted. "And more than

t, and a flicker of the love they

said. "But now, we fight not just

etermination st

ad been unearthed, but the future was theirs to shape. With the herb's hidden po

s eyes burned with suspicion and fury, unaware