Chapter 88 The Temple Beckons

The morning after the Blood Oath revelation was painted in red-gold light, but it carried none of dawn's usual peace. The stronghold bustled with activity—scouts returned from night patrols, messengers hurried between towers, and preparations for departure echoed throughout the halls. Aria stood on the balcony overlooking the mountain path that twisted far into the north—toward the Temple of Embers. Her cloak flared in the wind, hair braided tight against her neck, and her hand rested protectively on her abdomen. The child. The flame. The future.