The days that followed were a blur of plans, meetings, and sleepless nights.
The castle, once echoing with the measured rhythm of routine, now pulsed with unease.
River and Heiko spent endless hours in the Council chamber alongside King Paul and the elder advisors, poring over maps, scrolls, and ancient tomes. Together, they strategized ways to lure and expose the dark witch still hiding within the kingdom’s borders — the unseen shadow that threatened everything they had built.
Every idea was tested and discarded. Decoys, patrol traps, energy runes, illusionary hunts — nothing seemed sufficient to lure a creature born of deceit and chaos. River felt the weight of frustration settle in her chest, but she refused to give up.
She could feel Heiko’s steady presence beside her, his hand som
