KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

The night wind whistled through the half-open window of my study, sending a shiver down my spine as I pondered over the maps and ancient texts scattered across my desk. The soft knock at the door barely reached my ears, lost amidst the haunting howl that echoed from the woods, a reminder of the darkness lurking beyond the palace walls.

"Enter," I called, my voice steady despite the unease that clung to my heart like ivy to ancient stone.

Elara Windrider stepped into the ...