By midday, the group departed the ruined village, leaving behind the chilling echoes of what had transpired. The journey back to Raventhorn was silent, the cold air heavy with unspoken fears. Kael rode at the front of the procession, his expression unreadable, while Elara remained deep in thought.

When they reached the castle gates, the sentries bowed low, their faces lighting up with relief. Word of the group’s return had already spread, and the halls were abuzz with murmurs of their triumph.

Elara, however, felt no victory. As she dismounted, she turned to Kael. “We need to warn the king. If there are other altars, other places like that village, we can’t face this alone.”

Kael’s expression softened, a rare glimpse of vulnerability in his otherwise stoic demeanour. “You’re right. This is no longer a matter of one house or one region. It threatens the entire kingdom.”

Preparations were made swiftly. Messengers were dispatched to nearby noble houses, summoning allies to Raventhorn. Kael sent a rider to the capital, bearing an urgent letter to the king.

As night fell, Elara found herself in the library, surrounded by ancient texts and fragments of knowledge. The runes from the altar haunted her thoughts, their meaning elusive yet critical.

Lyria entered quietly, setting a tray of food beside her. “You need to eat, my lady.”

Elara glanced at the tray but made no move toward it. “I can’t stop, Lyria. Not until we understand what’s happening.”

Lyria hesitated before sitting beside her. “You’re carrying so much, Elara. More than anyone should have to bear. You’re not alone in this.”

Elara’s eyes softened. “I know. And I’m grateful for all of you. But… there’s something about this magic, this darkness. It feels tied to me somehow.”

Before Lyria could respond, Kael entered the library, his presence filling the room. “Elara,” he said, his tone urgent. “The messenger returned from the capital.”

She rose quickly. “What did the king say?”

Kael’s expression darkened. “He believes the corruption is a myth—a local superstition exaggerated by fear. He won’t send troops unless there’s proof of a larger threat.”

Elara felt a surge of frustration. “We have proof! The village, the altar—”

“It’s not enough,” Kael interrupted, his voice sharp but controlled. “The court is full of politics and doubt. They won’t act unless the darkness threatens their walls directly.”

Elara’s magic stirred, a mix of anger and determination. “Then we’ll find the proof they need. We’ll track the strangers who unleashed this, uncover their plans, and stop them before it’s too late.”

Kael studied her for a moment, his gaze intense. “You’re willing to risk everything for this?”

She met his eyes, her resolve unwavering. “I am. For the kingdom, for the people who can’t fight for themselves… I have to.”

Kael nodded, a flicker of admiration crossing his face. “Then we’ll do it together.”

The weight of their mission settled over them as they began planning their next steps. The darkness had been unleashed, and its reach was growing. But together, they would face it—whatever the cost.