for weeks seemed to reflect the turmoil in Amira's heart. She had hoped that their return from the ruins would provide clarity, but

t over the land. The same moon that had witnessed her coronation, now watching as she struggled to keep the kingdom together.

voice broke throu

weight of uncertainty that pressed down on her chest. He had grown into a strong young man, but the curs

er. "We have to do something. I can't just

piercing eyes, full of determination and worry. "We can't defeat Varek without

k's followers... They've been manipulating the people for years. They want to see me fall.

t know what that is yet.

e, her face pale. Her long, dark hair rest on her shoulders like a shadow, and her

est," Nyra said, her voice tr

straighter, his senses a

I can feel it. It's... it's not just the wind. There's a presenc

, her heart sinking. "Varek?" she

ething else. Something older. It's ti

were already on high alert, their swords drawn, their eyes scanning the dark trees beyond the

earth and something foul. The trees beyond the gates seemed to twist and sway unnatura

glowing faintly in the darkne

man, tall and cloaked, his face hidden beneath a hood. But even in the dim light, Amira could feel

demanded, stepping f

at was both familiar and foreign. Amira's breath caught in he

as E

ho had disappeared yea

voice like a cold wind. "I

cing. "No... it can't be you. You.

cold. "Not dead. Never dead. The gods have a way of keeping those th

d reeling. "Why would you stay

. "Because, sister, there are things about this land, about our bloodline, tha

otions flooding through her. Eldric, her brother, had been alive this w

managed to ask, he

loodline. The curse is not just a punishment, Amira. It is a weapon. A w

e're not interested in your games, Eldric.

cold, as if a barrier had been formed between them and the re

never meant to be a punishment. It was meant to be something far darker. But if

," Kael said, his voice cold. "

artifact. There are others, ancient forces, long buried, waiting to rise. If you want to stop th

mira asked, her heart

e not the protectors you believe them to be. They are the true source of the cur

veloping them. Eldric turned his head toward the forest, his eyes narrowing. "They are coming.

through the earth beneath them. The ground tre

c disappeared and