Chapter 66: Shadows Unveiled

As they journeyed back through the forest, the weight of their newfound knowledge hung heavy in the air. Isabella's ex glanced at her, concern etched on his face. "Do you think Elara is telling us everything?"

Isabella tightened her grip on the relic, her mind racing with doubts. "I'm not sure. There's something she's not telling us, but I can't figure out what."

Elara, who had been leading the way, turned to them with a grave expression. "I understand your doubts, but there are truths that cannot be revealed until the time is right. Trust me, everything I do is to protect the relic and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands."

Isabella's ex narrowed his eyes. "And how do we know your hands are the right ones?"

Elara met his gaze, unwavering. "You don't. But for now, we share a common goal: to keep the relic safe. We can't afford to let our differences get in the way."

Isabella sighed, torn between her trust in Elara and her instincts telling her there was more to the story. "Let