LOGIN(Selene’s POV)They gave us a wing of the capital reserved for “guests.”It was a polite word but a careful one. It means that we were protected only to the extent they would give a guest of their own, but if we do something unruly, then they wouldn't be afraid to treat us like any other enemies.The rooms were beautiful, there's an arched windows, pale stone floors warmed by hidden magic, curtains woven with silver thread that shifted softly when the light changed. But the doors were heavily guarded. “They’re not keeping us safe,” Fenrir murmured once the guards withdrew down the corridor. “They’re making sure we don’t wander and cause them trourble.”I sat on the edge of the bed, fingers curling into the fabric. “Can you blame them?”“No,” he said honestly. Then, softer, “But I don’t like it.”Neither did I.The city outside the window glowed as evening settled in. Lanterns lit one by one among the trees, magic flowing through the roots beneath the streets. It was calm on the surfa
(Selene’s POV)The Elven Capital was quieter than I expected.People were watching us as we walked down the pathway.Though they didn't do it openly, elves rarely stared since for them it's a sign of disrespect, but I felt their attention like a pressure against my skin. Whispers followed behind us as we passed.Fenrir walked slightly ahead of me now, his shoulders relaxed and his posture straight. He looked different here.His aura even became more domineering than it already is.I stayed close to him since I was starting to get creeped out from all the attentuion we were getting.The guards led us toward a large structure at the heart of the capital. It wasn’t a palace exactly. It was circular, built around a massive living tree whose roots broke through the stone floor and climbed the walls. Crystal veins ran through the bark, pulsing softly.“The Council Hall,” Winter whispered. “Subtle.”“Nothing about this place is subtle,” Gabriel replied quietly.We stopped at the entrance. Th
(Selene’s POV)The grove did not disappear when the elven sentinel finished speaking.It stayed, quiet, breathing, like it was listening.I stood at the center of the clearing, unsure whether I was supposed to kneel, speak, or run. But none of my instincts agreed.Fenrir was still beside me. I didn’t look at him at first, but I felt him there. That alone kept the panic from taking over me.The elven sentinel straightened, folding his hands behind his back. “My name is Elarion,” he said. “Keeper of the Grove and witness to forgotten vows.”Winter muttered, “Of course you are,” under his breath.Elarion ignored him.“Selene,” he continued, addressing me directly. “You were never meant to be erased. Your memories were sealed, not destroyed. There is a difference.”My throat tightened. “Then why can’t I remember?”“Because remembering too early would have shattered you,” he replied calmly. “The Wardens were not forged for power. They were chosen for stability. Even so, many did not surviv
(Selene’s POV)We reached the hills just before dawn.Mist clung to the ground curling around stone and grass, stretching endlessly as if it was alive.The forest thinned here, giving way to ancient terraces carved into the land itself, wide steps worn smooth by time, leading upward toward a ridge crowned with towering white trees.They weren’t ordinary trees.Their bark shimmered faintly, pale as bone, etched with natural veins that glowed softly when the light touched them. Even from a distance, I felt it—the quiet hum beneath my skin, steady and old.“This is elven land,” I murmured.Fenrir inclined his head. “The outer reaches. It has been long abandoned by court politics, but not by magic, in there, ancient power lies beneath every soil and grass.”Winter squinted up at the ridge. “You elves really love your dramatic entrances.”Fenrir shrugged, not denying what Winter said.As we climbed, the air shifted. Lighter. Cleaner. Each step felt easier, as if the land itself was easing
(Selene’s POV)The Elven Capital proved its lister stayed even at the midnight.Even as night settled, the city glowed softly, lanterns floating like fireflies between silver trees, bridges arched with living vines that shimmered faintly with magic. From the balcony where I stood, I could see spires rising through the mist, their carvings catching moonlight like polished glass.It was beautiful.And overwhelming.I rested my hands on the stone railing, letting the coolness ground me. After everything we learned in the archives, my thoughts refused to slow down. Anchor. Chain. Warden. None of the words sat right in my chest, but they wouldn’t leave either.Footsteps approached behind me, quiet, measured.I didn’t need to turn to know it was Fenrir.“You should be resting,” he said gently.“So should you,” I replied.He stopped beside me, close enough that our shoulders almost touched. “Old habits. I keep watch better than I sleep.”I glanced at him. His expression was calm, but I could
(Selene’s POV)The door did not open all at once.It resisted.The moment Thalanor placed his palm against the seal, the symbols carved into the stone reacted, lines of light spreading slowly, like veins waking beneath skin. The air thickened, pressing against my chest until breathing felt heavier.Fenrir shifted closer to me. I could feel his magic brushing against my side, subtle but protective, like he was quietly reinforcing a shield around me without making it obvious.“You’re alright,” he murmured, just for me. “I’ve got you.”I nodded, even though my heart was pounding.The door finally released with a deep, ancient sound—stone grinding against stone. Cold air spilled out from the darkness beyond, carrying a scent that reminded me of old rain and burned metal.The archives waited.Inside, the chamber was vast and circular, its ceiling lost in shadow. Rows of floating crystal tablets hovered in slow orbits, each etched with glowing elven script. Some pulsed faintly. Others were







