ISABEL POV

The wind whipped at my face, carrying with it the scent of pine and the lingering echoes of the verdict. Each gust seemed to whisper, 'You're free,' a freedom tinged with the bitter taste of loss. It was a release, but a hollow one, a stark contrast to the vibrant life I had known.

Thalia, Kira, Shira, Eira, and Livia stood beside me, their faces etched with a mixture of sorrow and determination. They had come despite the dangers, their loyalty unwavering even after the ordeal that had shattered my world. Thalia and Shira, their presence a testament to their courage, had defied Valerian’s warnings about the risks....