Elsie’s POV

The forest stretched endlessly before us, a twisted labyrinth of gnarled roots, ancient trees, and whispers of despair. The air felt heavier here, as if the weight of all who had ever failed clung to the damp moss and decaying leaves. I clenched my fists, trying to drown out the voice in my head that whispered we wouldn’t succeed. We couldn’t.

Mia was slipping away, and Madriod and I were no closer to finding a way to save her.

Madriod strode ahead, his confident steps crunching the underbrush. His presence radiated calm, even when everything felt like it was falling apart. It infuriated me. How could he stay...