chapter 108

Chapter 108

The morning after the failed ritual, the valley lay quiet in a way that felt wrong. No birds called from the trees. The river flowed as always, but even its sound seemed muted, as if the land itself was holding its breath.

Selene stood at the edge of the camp, watching the pale light rise over the water. The child she had rescued from the eastern ridge sat nearby, wrapped in a warm blanket and clutching a small wooden wolf. The girl’s eyes followed Selene wherever she moved, full of trust and quiet awe.

That trust weighed heavily on Selene’s heart.

This was why they could not fail.

Killian approached from behind, his steps slow and careful, as if he did not want to startle her thoughts. He placed a steady hand on her shoulder.

“You didn’t sleep,” he said softly.

Selene shook her head. “Not even for a moment.”

Killian followed her gaze toward the river clans’ boats drifting downstream, carrying the rescued families to safer ground. “You’re thinking about the others.”

“Yes,”