Not That Past

The Nightshade Castle loomed behind them, its old, towering spires bathed in the devilish glow of the blood moon.

The cool night breeze barely carried away the weight of their worries as Silvia, Sabina, Merina, Seron, King Lakhur, and Princess Kayla stood waiting in tense silence.

Every second that passed gnawed at their nerves, their gazes flickering toward the dark sky, expectant, desperate.

Then—a shift in the air.

A presence descended from above, the gentle yet unnatural ripple of mana parting the winds.

Their eyes widened as the silhouette of Isola emerged, drifting down gracefully like a fallen star. 

She was back and looked healthy, reliving them of their worries...but only a for a second.

Their breath hitched the moment they noticed who she carried in her arms.

Rowena—unmoving, her raven locks cascading over Isola's shoulder like a dark river of silk.

Her pale face looked peaceful, too peaceful. Too still.