Chapter 5 The Road to Ruin

The next morning, they were gone.

Maren packed quickly, pressing a leather satchel into Elara's hands. "You can't stay here," she said. "Malgar's forces will be coming. If they know you're alive-"

"I don't understand." Elara's hands shook as she fastened her cloak. "That thing wasn't just a Lycan, was it?"

Thorne leaned against the doorway, still pale but regaining strength. "No," he said. "That was a Shadowborn. A creature of Malgar's making. And it was hunting you."

Elara shivered.

Maren cupped Elara's face gently. "You are stronger than you know," she murmured. "And now, you have no choice but to fight."

Elara swallowed hard. "Where do we go?"

Thorne's gaze was dark. "To the Ruins of Eldenholme. There's something there you need to see."

Maren pulled Elara into a fierce embrace before whispering in her ear, "Trust the Wild, child. It will guide you home."

Elara nodded, then turned away.

As they disappeared into the forest, she felt the weight of destiny pressing on her shoulders.

And for the first time, she wondered-

What if she wasn't ready for the truth?

Elara lost in her thoughts, wondered and

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Imagine what will become of her and the life she once lived.