Chapter 168

Rain’s POV

Deep in The Forest.

The forest was silent tonight. My boots sank into damp soil as I slipped through the trees, moving without sound, every step carefully placed. I have memorized this path months ago, every fallen log, every rock, every twist in the terrain. I could walk it blindfolded if I had to. No guards could come this far. No patrols, no curious wolves. Just wilderness and secrets. That’s why it was perfect.

By the time I reached the mouth of the cave, my heart was pounding from the weight of what was about to happen. The dark opening yawned before me, jagged like a wound cut into the mountain. A place forgotten by time and untouched by light.

I hesitated for a second. Just one. Then I stepped inside.

The sound changed immediately outside, the forest whispered; in h