The weight of her father's lifeless form hung heavy in Evelina's arms as she carried him into the cabin, her steps leaden with grief. Jaxon followed close behind, his expression somber, his eyes scanning the surrounding forest for any sign of their treacherous assailant.

"We can't stay here," he murmured, his voice low and laced with urgency. "Morgana could return at any moment."

Evelina nodded, her jaw set in a grim line as she gently laid her father's body on the worn sofa. She smoothed back his graying hair, her fingers lingering on his cool brow in a final, tender caress.

"I know," she whispered, her voice thick with unshed...