Crown of Betrayal
Behind it, where the stone had once split open to reveal bare earth, the tree had taken root.
It rose whole and strong, roots settled deep into the soil as though the land itself had shaped space for it, its trunk etched with natural sigils that caught the brazier’s light. Leaves lifted and shifted softly in the breeze, green threaded with gold and silver, shadow held within the canopy as an integral part of its life.
“This was a seed,” Elora said quietly.
Briar shook her head. “Time bends when the gods are watching.”
Declan remained close as Elora moved past the brazier toward the tree, one arm resting easily around her waist. When she laid her hand against the bark, the Concord Flame behin
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