the dense underbrush. Despite the beauty around them, the tension was suffocating. Julian's sud

. His tone was firm, but his eyes betrayed his unease. "If Jul

book. "He won't give up easily, not when he knows what we have. But

n't be serious. He has an army, and

ra replied, her voice resolute.

also what's painting

t sound of rustling leaves. Both froze, thei

that?" Cassa

es scanning the tree

shadows, her movements as fluid as a predator's. They crouched behind

ne they recognized. The man was tall and lean, his clothes tattered and his face streaked with d

his voice hoarse. "Pl

owan, who shook his he

tter judgment, she stepped out from their hiding place, he

y. "My name is Elias," he said, his voice quivering. "I escaped

his expression skeptical. "Con

athering forces-mercenaries, creatures from the dark realms, anyone who will

or good reason. It was powerful, dangerous, and require

one of them. He forced me to swear loyalty, but I

whether he was lying. His fear seemed genui

ard. "If you escaped, you should be runni

Because I know where his camp

. It could be a trap, but it was also the be

finally. "But if you're ly

ckly. "I underst

main path to avoid detection. Cassandra and Rowan kept the

an's plans. "He's searching for something," he said, his voice low. "S

ed. "Does he me

o the artifact, but much older. I overheard him talking about it

Cassandra. "Ev

nease settled over her. "If it's tie

s why he's using blood magic. He needs more pow

. As if this wasn't

e Heart of Eternity, it would mean disaster-not just for th

ided by Elias. The journey was long and grueling, the

oking the valley where Valerian's forces were gathered. The sight

d about, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. At the center of the camp stood a massive altar, its surface s

ht," Rowan muttered. "How a

tood, his imposing figure commanding the attention of everyone around him. He was s

expression unreadable. The sight of him sent a fresh wave of

she said, her voic

mp, Elias approached Cassandra. "There's somethin

ned. "Wh

ver his face. "Valerian knows you'r

by the collar, her blade pressed against his th

. "He has my family. He said he'd kil

in her chest. But before she could deci

he said. "If Valerian knows we'

. "You're coming with us," she said. "And

his face pale.

hat they were walking straight into Valerian's hands. But she also knew