Night had already fallen by the time Elira and Raka reached the forest’s edge. Village noise rose from afar; small fires pricked the dark.

Raka set her down carefully. “Can you walk?”

Elira nodded. Her ankle was better, and she didn’t want anyone worrying. She followed him at a slow pace.

After a few minutes of silence, she asked, barely above a breath, “That cave—how long has it been your second home?”

Raka kept his eyes forward. “My parents were Kamura elders. They used to take me there in secret and tell me our history. It’s where Reymund found Arumana. Ashira once tried to destroy the place, but in the end they abandoned it—and it hasn’t yielded anything since Reymund’s execution.”

“You really are from Kamura,” she said. “I’m still struggling to believe it.”

Raka glanced at her, checking she wasn’t crying.

“Will you betray Ashira and burn it down—then go back to Kamura?” she asked.

He stopped, gently catching her hand so she had to meet his eyes. “I would never hurt you. That much is certain.”

Her eyes widened, then she pulled her hand back. “You didn’t answer my question.”

He didn’t answer right away. His gaze held steady on her face, which had flushed with quiet anger.

“Elira, Kamura will—”

“Elira! Elira!!”

The shout cut them in two. Elira turned, searching for the voice calling her name over and over.

“Elira! Where have you been? You said you were going to rest, but you weren’t home. I looked everywhere. You told me not to tell anyone—but you were nowhere!”

Sena’s face was puffy with worry and exhaustion. Guilt pinched at Elira’s heart; her head had been a storm all day, and she’d forgotten Sena was waiting.

“Where did you go? Why are you filthy?” Sena fussed, brushing dust from Elira’s clothes. “What happened to your ankle?”

Heat stung Elira’s eyes. She had promised herself she wouldn’t cry.

“Hey—what’s wrong?” Panic sharpened Sena’s voice.

Elira shook her head hard. She had to hold herself together. She wouldn’t add to Sena’s worry. “I’m fine. I tripped while looking for herbs. Raka helped me. Don’t worry.”

Sena’s eyes ran over Elira from head to toe. “You’re sure?”

Elira forced a smile and squeezed her friend’s shoulder. “Come on, help me change. The ceremony’s starting soon, and I don’t need Elder Samara scolding me for being late.”

Sena searched her face as if to verify the truth, then nodded and smiled back. She linked their arms and guided her along.

As they walked, Sena chattered about how the village felt busier than ever—elders rarely seen, young men armed and posted at the square, adults in leather.

Elira only listened. After everything she’d learned, she wasn’t sure what was right or wrong anymore.

“By the way,” Sena whispered, “did you and Raka fight? He’s trailing way behind us like he’s keeping his distance. And you aren’t talking to him.”

Elira’s head snapped around. “No. We’re fine.”

“Please. Even a baby could see it.” Sena pinched her arm. “You two argue every day, sure, but not the silent kind. Did something happen?”

Elira cleared her throat and wriggled free, but Sena only tugged her closer.

“Don’t tell me one of you confessed. Did he reject you?”

Elira jerked so fast she nearly bumped Sena’s forehead, glaring—while Sena only grinned wider.

“I was guessing,” Sena said. “There’s no way you turned Raka down.”

“Hey, are you my friend or his?”

Sena snorted. “Looks like you were on a date. I panicked and thought Kamura had kidnapped you.”

Elira could only stare. If only Sena knew how wrecked her head was—Ashira, Kamura, Raka, the cave. The last thing she needed was Sena’s jokes throwing sparks into the mess.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Elira muttered. “Raka and I are… impossible.”

“What?” Sena dropped her hand and stared hard. “Impossible why?”

“Just… impossible.”

Sena’s eyes blew wide; she clicked her tongue. “You say ‘impossible,’ but if you don’t see him for one second you start howling. You two aren’t related—what’s wrong with it? Don’t you dare use that as your excuse.”

Elira swallowed, trying to wet a suddenly dry throat. Sena had always been able to read her.

“For your information, half the village girls like Raka,” Sena added. “If you keep being ‘unclear,’ I won’t block them anymore.”

Elira’s jaw tightened. For some reason, that stung. She didn’t find an answer—because they had reached her door, and a tall figure stood waiting there.

“Kael?”

He handed her something wrapped in white cloth. Elira took it, puzzled.

Inside lay a small dagger. She looked up, frowning.

“Keep it,” Kael said. “From now on, hide it under your clothes.”

“For what?” Elira asked.

“Just do as I say.”

Elira folded the cloth back over the blade and met his gaze. She had no wish to fight tonight, obnoxious as he was.

“What is going on? Why does it feel like we’re about to be attacked?”

Kael’s eyes went cold. His hard face set harder. He didn’t answer—he turned to leave.

“Wait!” Elira called. “Where is my father?”

“In an important meeting. Do not disturb Lord Baran. Do your duty tonight.”

“Tell me what’s happening. If we’re under threat, shouldn’t we stop the festival? We could try for peace—no need to—”

“Stop talking.” Kael’s tone cut. “You understand nothing. If you want to help, do your task and stop making work for Lord Baran.”

He brushed past without the slightest interest in touching her.

Elira moved to chase him, but a hand caught her arm. She turned to Raka.

“Even if you catch him, Kael won’t explain anything,” Raka said quietly.

“I just want to help. The festival isn’t more important than the village’s safety!”

Raka exhaled. “Elira.” His voice was soft, steadying. “Maybe to you the festival isn’t important. But the people of Ashira have prepared for this night a long time. Stopping it now would only spark panic.”

“B-but—”

He patted her shoulder gently. “Trust Baran, at least. He knows what’s best for Ashira. If he sent Kael to you, it means he wants you to dance and leave village matters to him.”

Elira’s fingers tightened around the wrapped dagger. He wasn’t wrong—but her heart still rebelled.

Sena slipped to Elira’s side and touched her hand. “I’ve always thought Kael was scary,” she said, “but this time I agree with him.”

Elira looked at her.

“And I’ve waited forever to see you dance in the dress I worked on,” Sena added.

Elira’s gaze softened. Of course. Everyone had worked for this night—how could she shut it down on a whim?

“Get ready and go with Sena,” Raka said. “I’ll find you after you finish.”

He let her go and gave her a small smile before walking away.

Elira watched his back until he vanished into the torchlight. Tonight was going to be the hardest night of her life.