rection. The night was cold, the air crisp with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. The River of Tears, so named for its mystical pro

seemed to beckon her. The river had always called to her, even in the years of war and strife, and now, in this moment of solitude, it

able magic that hummed beneath the surface. Her eyes were still a pale silver-blue, a reflection of the calm she soug

r sword in battle. But the very idea of returning felt like a prison. She had never asked for this life,

she could have been without the crown weighing her down, without the constant fight for survival against the other kingdoms. But in her

of her dagger, the action practiced and smooth, even in the quiet of the night. The sound grew louder, closer, and within mome

ers tightened around the dagger's hilt. She

ce held no surprise-only the weight of

eyes, cold and intense, locked onto hers, and Runa felt a flicker of unease stir in her chest. She had crossed paths with Asher befo

ce deep and rich, with a hint of something that Runa couldn't place.

of the Waterfall Pack, the enemy of her people. They had fought side by side in battles, eyes locked in hatred, blood spilled in the na

ady, though the words didn't quite align with the stir

his lips. "Solitude, in a place like this? The River

he river's waters, of how those who sought solace here might find themselves drowning in their own memories. But she had never believ

she asked, her voice laced with amusement, but

Asher said, his eyes softening slightly. "It's not magic-it's memo

h her carefully built walls. Her life had been a series of losses-her mother's death, the war that had torn her people apart, the loss of her freedom. All

oice sharp as a blade. "Nor do I need the judgment of

ze remained steady, unwavering. "I don't judge you, Run

own on her, and though she didn't want to, she couldn't help but look at him. For all his strength, all his power, Asher seemed... lost in so

this time, there was less conviction in her words. She hate

dy tensed instinctively. But he didn't come any closer. Inst

ding, Runa," he said q

, to remember the gulf that separated them-their kingdoms, their people, their paths. They could never be allies, not when everything i

ver as the memory of the war came crashing back. "You don't know what

eople every day. I make decisions that cost lives. But I also understand

ng louder in her ears, and for a brief moment, she almost believed him. But the reality of

her voice cold now, the wall she had

ain, but there was no anger i

attlefield, Queen of Light," he sai

river, her breath coming in shallow gasps, her thoughts swirling in the space he had left behind. For a moment, she

ere was no room for weakness.