BETRAYAL HEARTS, RISING FLAMES

to bury. Tonight was no different. As the flickering candlelight danced against the walls of the reb

se years ago. The scent of dried leaves and earth still lingered faintly, a reminder of the journey

and his thoughts drifted to Elara-the woman who ha

: the day she told him s

g. "When you left, I was desperate. Father's illness worsened, a

her to wait just a little longer. But the fear in

ot betrayal born of love for another, but sacrifice forced by ci

room quietly, her expression softeni

e herb," she said gentl

er family in the only way she could.

times the heart's hardest ba

arp rap on the door. Jorin, the young re

g it to Alaric. The seal was unfamil

broke the seal and unfolded t

ar

rd Riven's grip tightens, and I fear for my life-and for the city. The herb you broug

by the river at dawn. Ther

l

This was more than a mes

d willow, its branches swaying gently in the morning br

," she sa

I would," Al

"This belonged to my mother. It speaks of the herb's true power-not

ows this. He fears what it could

tten pact between the people and the land-a pact that granted healing but demanded balance. If

n Alaric's heart. This was the key

in the city, her ties to Lord Riven, and the danger t

so long to tell

e," she admitted. "And more than

t, and a flicker of the love they

said. "But now, we fight not just

etermination st

ad been unearthed, but the future was theirs to shape. With the herb's hidden po

s eyes burned with suspicion and fury, unaware