The Council chamber was still echoing with whispers when River slipped quietly toward the doors. The heavy air clung to her like frost, and though the voices of panic faded behind her, the burden of their revelation pressed deeper into her chest with every step.
She hadn’t gone far when a hand reached for her wrist—light, yet firm.
Alia’s sharp eyes, softened only by the gravity of the moment, searched her face. Her voice came low, meant only for River.
“I believe, River,” Alia said, her tone carrying the weight of both trust and sorrow, “that you know what the next step is.”
River’s throat tightened. For a moment, she wanted to deny it, to turn away from the truth that had been stalking her since the first night the witch whispered her name. But she didn’t. She met Alia’s gaze, and wi
