Kael's grip was warm, steady. But as they moved deeper into the Northwood, Elaria realized the trees weren't just trees. They were old. Breathing. Watching.
The sky above dimmed unnaturally fast, though it was barely noon. Shadows stretched longer than they should. The leaves whispered her name in voices not entirely human.
"You've crossed into the Veiled Path," Kael said. "This forest remembers blood. Especially cursed blood."
Elaria pulled her cloak tighter. "So… I really am cursed?"
"You were marked before your first breath. Our fates were sealed by a spell cast centuries ago—when the Shadow Court and the Sun Throne were at war. A girl born of light. A boy born of shadow. Meant to destroy each other. Or fall together."
She frowned. "So I'm some kind of weapon?"
Kael looked at her, eyes unreadable. "No. You're the balance the world feared."
They reached a clearing. At its center stood a shattered tree, twisted and silver, its roots wrapped around glowing stones. A woman stood beneath it—her skin pale, her hair like wildfire, and her gaze piercing straight through Elaria.
"The girl arrives," the witch said. "The last hope… or the final ruin."
Kael bowed slightly. "We need her awakened."
Elaria stepped forward, heart pounding. "Awakened how?"
The witch smiled without warmth. "You'll drink from the tree. And when you do, you'll remember everything the curse made you forget."
Elaria looked to Kael. He nodded once.
She reached out.
And the forest held its breath.