Chapter 355

• A tremor rippled through the air behind Carlo, drawing my attention to the charred circle at the heart of the scorched earth.
• The scent of rain filled my lungs, tinged faintly with the metallic sharpness of blood. My heart wavered as I thought of the families mourning those lost in the battle. The pain was a tangible weight, tempting me to linger in the past, but I steeled myself. I couldn’t afford to drown in sorrow. Moving forward was the only way.
• Beneath my feet, the brittle ground crunched, and I froze as Carlo placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. I tilted my head, watching the sunlight filter through the trees, striking the very spot where we all stood.