ZURI

The ground rumbled beneath the hooves of our horses as the forest drew closer. The air was thick with the scent of rain and ash, and the clouds above hung heavy, like they already knew what was coming. My grip tightened around the reins. Tyr rode beside me, silently.

His jaw was set, and the wind tore through his hair. Behind us, our armies stretched for miles—holding Magnikka’s banners mixed with Bjord’s—two nations united by desperation.

When the forest came into view, ...