VADEN POV
*earlier that morning*
Standing in the cool shadows of the forest, I watched as Alice’s figure disappeared into the trees. My heart held a weight heavier than I’d anticipated as I watched her go; it wasn’t every day you sent your kin—your blood—into a test designed to measure their strength and their bond. Yet, this wasn’t just any test. Alice had to prove herself worthy, not just of her title, but of her future, and that future demanded resilience, wisdom, and an unbreakable connection to her mate.
The jade stone rested heavily in my pocket, a reminder of the legacy she bore. That stone wasn’t just a trinket; it symbolized the power and birthright of the Green Coven, a symbol I’d safeguarded until the day its true bearer would emerge. If Alice’s bond with Alex was pure, if th
