In all her years, Kara had never seen anything as beautiful as the Heber tree. She stood in awe before the majestic tree, its radiant glow bathing the surroundings in a captivating light. Yet, as she stared at the tree, something kept nagging at her. What was she doing in front of the tree, and how did she get here?

“You were supposed to find me,” Eerik’s voice penetrated her thoughts as he emerged from behind her, placing a gentle hand on her lower back. His words, ...