The three of them sat in silence, the weight of the kingdom’s future pressing down on their shoulders. The shadows of the past had returned, and the choices made now would determine whether the Nightshade legacy endured—or shattered forever.
Finally, Heiko stood, his expression grim but resolute. He reached for River, helping her to her feet. “Then let’s not waste another moment. My father must hear this truth. The kingdom deserves to be warned.”
Alia gathered the remaining scrolls with sharp, efficient movements. “And pray this kingdom has the strength to bear it. For what’s coming will test us all.”
Together, the three left the library. But as they stepped into the corridor, River couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder, back at the parchment still lying on the table.
The faint cr
