Chapter 295 Echoes Of Fate

• The cave’s entrance was narrow, a jagged opening in the mountainside that barely allowed them to squeeze through. The darkness inside was thick, but they had no time to be cautious. The forces of Queen Isolde were still far behind them, but Ariella could feel the oppressive weight of their presence on the horizon. She had no illusions—time was no longer on their side.
• As they huddled inside the cave, Kaelen stood watch by the entrance, his sharp eyes scanning the distance. Zara, always practical, began rummaging through their supplies, her movements quick and efficient. Sigrid and Selene were sitting against the walls, their faces grim. Everyone was exhausted, physically and mentally drained from the grueling journey and the battles that had led them to this point.
• Ariella sank down to the ground, her body aching. She could feel the Heartstone still pulsing within her, though its light was dim. The magic had taken a toll on her—her strength was fading, her breath shallow. The warmth from the Heartstone, which had once filled her with a sense of power and purpose, now felt like a heavy weight pressing against her chest.