Chapter 4 The Weight Of Secrets

• The hooded man’s retreating footsteps echoed in Ariella’s ears long after he disappeared into the forest. Her breath was shallow, her hands trembling as she clutched her arms. Kael stood nearby, his sword now sheathed, his gray eyes scanning the treeline as if anticipating another attack.
• “Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice cutting through the silence.
• Ariella shook her head, though her legs felt like they might give out beneath her. “No. I’m fine.”