The Fearless Princess

wn only to those who had lived in the shadows of the world for years-those who had survived the worst of Malveros's reign. Yet, despite the sen

leron had spoken of. It was hidden deep in the heart of the forest, nestled in a small valley surrounded by thick, towering trees. T

feel safe. Not

een shaped to protect it. The entrance was narrow, almost secret, hidden behind vines that seemed to pulse with an otherwor

eraphina's mind raced. She had felt the darkness growing closer since their departure, a presence at the edges

omforting, steady, but the unspoken words in his eyes told her he, too,

ng runes. In the center of the room was an altar-an ancient stone structure, weathered by time,

lace of protection, a place where Malveros cannot reach you-not directly

el asked, his voice s

nection to the Heartstone and the power that lies within you. The time is dr

ht of her fate was beginning to crush her, suffocating

utside the sanctuary, followed by the harsh crack of trees snapping underf

ice a strained breath. "He's

ching for his sword. "We don't hav

You need to leave. There's a hidden path beneath the altar. Go,

her heart hammering in her

ut your survival depends on this. You must reach the Heartstone, the so

ed, her voice shaking. She couldn't go forwa

said, his eyes dark with so

if torn between duty and love. He stepped toward her, taking her hand in his

ael said quietly, his voice

hrough this-together-but deep down, she could feel the truth creeping in

ing crash. Figures, dressed in black, flooded into the room-soldiers loyal t

shouted, pushing Seraphina and Kael toward th

pulling away from Kae

is hands gripping his sword. "You have to make it to the

f them like a shield, ready to face the oncoming storm. Her mind screamed at her

e. The prophecy ha

ht. "Seraphina, we need to go. We'

termination-Seraphina turned and ran. Her heart was heavy, every

und of Aleron's voice-strong, commanding-echoed in her mind as they ran, urging them forward. She pushed aside

her side of the mountains and emerge

e stone walls, black smoke billowing into the sky. The shadow of Malveros's ar

sacrifice

on the task at hand. Kael stood beside her, his face grim, his eyes dista

the Heartstone was fraught with peril. A

re was no turning back. The prophecy would c