Mara’s footsteps echoed across the frost-lined square as she approached the inner circle. Each crunch underfoot felt heavier than it should, weighed down by doubt, fear, and the memory of Jarek’s defiance.The air was colder here, not from the frost, but from tension. People were quiet, almost afraid to look at each other. The fracture in the stone lingered like a scar etched into the settlement’s soul, and the settlement itself seemed to hold its breath.Serik stood at the edge of the circle, arms crossed, eyes focused on the horizon beyond the boundary. He didn’t acknowledge Mara until she was only a few paces away.“I need to speak,” Mara said, voice steady despite the tremor she felt inside.Serik tilted his head slightly. “You’ve spoken all morning.”“No,” she said sharply. “I’ve reported. I’ve observed. I’ve cataloged fears and fractures. But I haven’t challenged. Not yet.”Riven shifted uncomfortably beside her. “Mara…”“I need to,” she interrupted. “Because if I don’t, the fra
Last Updated : 2026-02-09 Read more