The mountain winds howled through the forest as the returning warriors crossed the river bend, their fur-lined cloaks heavy with dirt and grief. Dante walked at the front, his jaw tight, eyes shadowed with fatigue and fury. Caelum trailing behind him with a solemn expression. Beside him, Luka’s arms trembled—not from battle, but from the girl he cradled. Her skin was ghostly pale, her pulse weak.“A conduit,” one of the younger warriors whispered, recognition flashing in his expression. Luka didn’t pause. “She was barely breathing when I found her. Lenora must’ve drained her.”He pushed open the healer’s lodge, shouting, “Help!”The elders stirred at the sound, a few rushing over as the scent of blood followed Luka into the room. The healer, a thin woman with soot-stained fingers and eyes like sharp obsidian, emerged instantly, guiding Luka to the inner bedchamber.“She’s slipping,” Luka murmured, brushing damp strands of hair from the girl’s forehead. “But she’s still alive.”“She
Last Updated : 2025-07-30 Read more