Chapter 22 A Spark Of Doubt

• The morning sun cast long shadows across Eldridge as Aria and Lila emerged from the quaint cottage. A nervous flutter danced in Aria's stomach as they approached the imposing iron gates of the castle. Securing an audience with the King had been no easy feat, and Aria couldn't help but wonder if it was a fool's errand.
• "Are you sure about this, Lila?" Aria whispered, her voice barely audible above the rhythmic clang of the blacksmith's hammer from across the square.
• Lila, her face a mask of quiet determination, adjusted the hilt of the short sword strapped to her thigh. "We have to try, Aria. Thorne deserves a fair hearing, and the King is the only one who can grant it."