MasukROSELYN’S POVMorning came wrapped in a blanket of mist, Tiny droplets clung to every leaf, sparkling whenever the rising sun peeked through the trees. I sat beside the dying campfire, turning the leather pouch over in my hands. It still didn’t make sense, Someone had known exactly where we would stop, had left food, herbs, and healing salve. Yet whoever it was had never shown themselves. Darius finished packing our blankets before walking over.“Ready?”I held up the pouch.“Have you figured out who left this?”“No.”“But you’ve been thinking about it.”“I have.”“And?”He adjusted the strap across his shoulder. “I’ve reached one conclusion.”I waited.“They wanted to be mysterious.”His answer caught me off guard.“If they wanted to stay hidden, why leave supplies where we’d notice them? So… they wanted us to know someone was helping?”“Perhaps.”“Then why not speak to us?”Darius looked toward the forest.“Because speaking would reveal more than they were willing to risk.”His word
ROSELYN’S POVThe abandoned village disappeared behind us as the afternoon stretched into evening, The forest felt different now. Not darker, Not quieter, Just… watchful.I couldn’t explain the feeling, but ever since we had left the village, it was as though unseen eyes followed every step we took.“Darius?”“Hm?”“Do you ever feel like the forest is alive?”He didn’t answer immediately. After several moments, he said quietly,“It has always been alive.”“I don’t mean animals.”“I know.”His calm reply sent a shiver through me. We continued climbing a gentle slope until the trees began to thin. Ahead, a small stream wound through the forest.“This is where we’ll stop,” Darius said.I raised an eyebrow.“Are you sure?”He looked around carefully before nodding.“For tonight.”I smiled. “I noticed you always say ‘for tonight.’”He crouched beside the stream and began filling our waterskins.“Nothing lasts forever.” His words lingered in my mind, Neither safety, Nor peace. I gathered f
ROSELYN’S POVThe forest finally began to thin, For the first time in days, sunlight poured freely through the trees, warming the path beneath our feet.I breathed deeply. “I almost forgot what the sky looked like.”Darius glanced upward. “You’ll see much more of it soon.”“You know where we’re going?”“I know where we’re not.”I laughed. “That’s becoming your favorite answer.”“It keeps us alive.”We walked for another hour before the trees gave way to an open field, Tall grass swayed gently in the breeze. Beyond it stood a small village, Or what had once been one. The wooden cottages leaned at odd angles, their roofs partially collapsed. Ivy climbed the walls, and broken fences disappeared beneath wildflowers. Nature had quietly reclaimed the place.I slowed my steps.“Does anyone live here?”“No.”“How can you be sure?”“The silence.”I listened… No voices, No livestock, Not even the bark of a dog… Only the wind. We entered cautiously, An old well stood in the center of the village
ROSELYN’S POVBy afternoon, the River of Echoes was far behind us. The forest grew quieter with every mile we traveled. Even the birds seemed reluctant to sing beneath the towering trees. I adjusted the strap of my pack and looked at Darius.“Do you ever get lost?”He didn’t slow his pace. “Everyone gets lost.” he replied “I mean you.”“I know.”“So?”“So I learn the way back.”I smiled.“That almost sounded like advice.”“It was.”His answers were getting slightly longer… The path narrowed until we were forced to walk single file between thick walls of ivy, Sunlight barely reached the ground. Then, without warning, Darius stopped. I nearly walked into him.“What is it?”He pointed ahead, through the curtain of vines stood the crumbling remains of an ancient stone structure, Only a few broken pillars remained standing. The roof had long since collapsed, allowing vines and wildflowers to claim what time had left behind.“What is this place?” I whispered.“I don’t know its name.”“You’
ROSELYN’S POVThe forest awakened before we did, Golden sunlight slipped through the branches, painting shifting patterns across the ground. Birds called from somewhere high above, while a cool breeze carried the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. I stretched, wincing as the soreness in my legs reminded me of yesterday’s journey. Darius was already awake, He stood at the edge of the clearing, studying the forest beyond.“You don’t sleep much, do you?” I asked as I rolled up my blanket.“I sleep when I can.”“Did you hear anything last night?”He remained silent for a moment. “No.”I frowned. “But you don’t sound convinced.”“I’m not.”That was all he said and I sighed, slinging my small pack over my shoulder.“You really enjoy making conversations difficult.”“I’ve been told.”“By Roland?”For the first time that morning, he looked at me.“Among others.”A tiny smile tugged at my lips. That was probably the closest thing to humor I’d ever get from him.“Come on,” he said.“We have
NOAH’S POVThe gates of Lunaris came into view just before sunset. Towering silver walls rose above the surrounding cliffs, their banners fluttering proudly in the evening breeze. Soldiers lined the battlements, and the sound of trumpets echoed across the valley. Normally, returning home filled me with a sense of purpose but Today… It felt like surrender.The massive gates creaked open as the royal escort entered the capital. Citizens gathered along the streets, bowing respectfully as I passed and acknowledged them with a slight nod, but my thoughts remained far beyond the city walls, Back in Oakridge Forest, Back where every answer had slipped through my fingers.The palace stood at the highest point of the capital, overlooking the city below. Its white stone towers reflected the last rays of sunlight, giving the entire structure a golden glow. Servants hurried across the courtyard, Nobles dressed in expensive robes climbed the marble steps. Preparations for the coronation were clear







