My place is, and always will be, by your side

This chapter contained the continuation storyline from Chapter 10: Forget Me. For a better understanding and context, it's recommended to re-read that chapter as a refresher before proceeding.

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Ragnar looked up, his eyes red and weary, as he heard the voice of Elder Cryica cutting through the devastation. She stood amid the ruins, her presence was somber, her gaze fixed intently on him.

"What do you mean?" Ragnar asked, his voice hoarse with exhaustion and grief.

Elder Cryica's voice was calm but laced with an ancient weight of knowledge. "You can fix it, you have a chance, Your Majesty… I can show you the way… but once again, you must be prepared to sacrifice something… or someone… to achieve it…,"

Ragnar's eyes locked onto hers, the gravity of her words sinking in. "What must I sacrifice?" he asked, a desperate edge to his tone.