The witch circled them at dawn, her red hair catching fire in the morning light.
"You have little time," she said, her voice sharp. "The Sun Throne has already sensed her awakening. They'll come with blades, spells, and lies."
Elaria stood, steady now. "Then tell me what I need to do."
The witch's gaze narrowed. "You must reach the Mirror Vale before the next moon. Only there can the curse be undone. But the path is treacherous, and not everyone who follows it wants freedom."
Kael stepped forward. "We'll make it."
The witch laughed coldly. "You speak with confidence, Shadow Prince. But are you prepared to see her broken?"
Elaria flinched.
"She'll face her blood. Her memories. The betrayal that cursed you both. She'll bleed for truth. And if she hesitates for even a moment—she'll lose herself."
"I won't," Elaria said firmly. "I want the truth. No matter how much it hurts."
The witch studied her a moment longer, then held out a blade.
Forged in dark steel, etched with symbols that shimmered when Elaria touched it.
"Then take this," the witch said. "It's bound to your blood. It will answer only to you."
Elaria took the blade.
It felt right in her hand.
She looked at Kael. "We leave now."
He didn't smile. But he reached for her hand.
Together, they stepped into the wild.
And behind them, the forest whispered goodbye.