n Du

ough the forest, following Lucian's lead. The trees around us blurred

faded into the distance. When Lucian finally slow

t happened?" I man

h the canopy. He didn't look as winded as I felt, though his expression

why me? Who were they, and why do they think I'

hair. It was the first crack I'd seen in his o

napped. My body ached, and

g. "The prophecy speaks of a union between two bloodlines-the rogue and the royal. A c

. I've lived my whole life on the fringes,

tant than you know, Seren. Whether you be

sense of his words. "And who are you in all

I thought he wouldn't answer. Then he sighe

d, the ruler of a hidden world I wanted no part of. And yet, here he w

aid, though my voic

were," h

sion stopped me. His silver eyes held a weight I couldn't deny-

elieve you. Why does this prophecy matter so muc

between packs have left us vulnerable, scattered. The child is supposed to end that. But there ar

narrowing my eyes.

ce soft but firm. "But I can't d

eight of his words. "I didn't ask for

st time, he looked almost... human. "I know.

n the distance. Lucian's demeanor shifted ins

keep movin

ther, we navigated the forest,

ide was damp and cold, but it offered some protection from the open forest.

at his side. I studied him in the dim light, trying

t I expected,"

ulder, one brow raised.

der. Maybe with a crown a

mile. "The crown is symbolic, a

. "Disapp

. "It's not a position I sought, Seren. Lead

t was to be alone, to carry burdens no one else could see. D

asked, the question slippin

ause..." He hesitated, as if weighing his next words

I decided not to push. My head was alr

Lucian said, breaking the silence.

ppens when w

r eyes unreadable. "We fi

of that. But for now, I

eluctantly. My mind churned with questions and

awn. Lucian sat near the entrance, his posture relaxed bu

o go,"

the morning light. The forest felt less threatening in th

d the crunch of leaves beneath our boots. Final

is real, what does

htening. "It means we have a long

, but I let it slide. For no

hought struck me. "Wh

y. When he did, his voice was