Moments later,

Author

The chamber was quiet, save for the soft thrum of ancient magic and the faint glow of runes winding across the walls. Aria stepped through the velvet curtain alone, her boots making no sound on the warm stone floor. She had slipped away after dinner, while Malphas was reviewing border reports and the children were busy showing Selene every treasure they had ever collected - stones, carved bones, polished runes, and the tiny glowing crystal Drako had gifted her. She needed this moment alone. She needed to see for herself, before she spoke of it to anyone else.

The alcove stood exactly as she had left it:...