The dense fog of the early evening settled around the courtyard as Zion, Emily, and I remained behind with the guards, a rigid silence punctuating the air. The only sounds were the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant growl of an unseen creature. It was as if the world itself was holding its breath.

Without a second thought, I pulled Emily into a tight hug. It felt like the warmth of her presence was a distant memory I’d just reclaimed, feeling the familiar warmth of her ...