ith the weight of what she had learned and the promise she had made. She had never expected her life to change so d

sources. The task was daunting, and yet she couldn't shake the feeling that the answers she sought were just beyond her grasp. The more she read, the more the ancient magic surroun

pull toward Caelan, toward the idea of freeing him from his eternal prison. Her thoughts wer

she had ventured into the royal chambers, and she planned to keep it that way. The more people knew, the more dangerous it

to the prince grew stronger with each pass

l as she moved through the corridors. The moonlight streamed through the tall windows, casting shadows that seemed to dance across the

moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her fingers bru

emed to pulse with every movement. Prince Caelan stood near the mirror again, his back to her, his figure framed by t

, not wanting to disturb the fragile silence that seemed to hang between them. The room felt t

her again, but there was something else in his eyes-a flicker of something sof

his voice low and weary.

est. "I've been researching the curse, Caelan. I think... I think I'm beginning to understand

ack, his eyes flickering to the mask in her ha

sorcerer who cursed me wove his power into the very fabric of this land. Even with the mask, even wi

oser. "I refuse to believe that.

ing her resolve. Finally, he spoke again, his voice sof

he said quietly. "

d a beat. "What do

here is an artifact. A key, if you will. It's said to be able to unlock the magic that holds me captiv

xcitement. She had heard legends of the forest, dark tales passed down through generations-stories

ancient magic, by creatures that will kill anyone who dares to seek the key. The

unding. "I'm not afraid. I'll do

able. "You don't understand. The price for breaking the

e stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "I'm not afraid of what li

f, or perhaps admiration-but he didn't speak for a long

r. The forest awaits, and the key lies within. But be warned, Lyr

was clear: she was ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. For Caela