Chapter 41. Bloodlines in Ash

The mist still clung to the Hollow Grounds when Selene and Alaric emerged from the treeline, their pace unhurried but unbroken. Pale gray vapor curled around their boots and drifted between the standing stones, muffling the forest as though the land itself were listening. Behind Selene’s eyes, the memory of the shrine still burned bright and unrelenting, and the mark on her collarbone pulsed beneath her skin, alive with silver fire.

Every breath carried the weight of her choice: the bond sealed in ancient flame, the old gods bearing witness.

And now, the Council waiting to pass judgment.

Three emissaries stood at the edge of the sacred stones, their ceremonial robes stark and immaculate against the gray dawn. White porcelain masks concealed their faces, each etched with sigils of authority meant to erase the individual