Prologue

The air reeked of blood and smoke. The screams of the wounded and the battle cries of the warriors echoed through the crumbling stone corridors. The clash of steel rang in the distance, accompanied by the deafening sounds of explosions as the very foundation of the castle trembled. Shadows flickered across the walls, cast by the glow of fire licking at the edges of the grand halls.

She ran.

Her boots pounded against the stone floor, her breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. She clutched her side where a shallow wound bled sluggishly, but she didn't stop. She couldn't stop. There wasn't time.

She turned down another hallway, heart hammering in her chest. The castle was falling apart around her. Rubble scattered the floor, making each step dangerous. A body lay slumped against the wall—a warrior whose throat had been slashed open. She didn't look twice. If she hesitated, she wouldn't make it in time.

A thunderous roar shook the walls, forcing her to pause. Dust and debris rained from the ceiling as another explosion rattled the foundation. She could hear them outside—the enemy forces breaking through the last line of defense. They were closing in.

But she was almost there.

Her fingers grasped the iron handle of an old wooden door. She threw it open, stepping inside the dimly lit chamber.

A pair of wide, worried brown eyes snapped up to meet hers.

Shadow.

He was now twelve, no longer the little child she remembered but not yet a man. His brown hair was slightly longer, tied back to keep out of his face, though a few strands had fallen loose. Dirt and sweat smudged his skin, but his grip was steady as he held the tiny bundle in his arms.

The baby cooed softly, unaware of the carnage outside.

"Ma?" Shadow's voice was unsteady, his brows furrowed in concern as he took in her disheveled form, the cut on her side, the way she was trembling slightly.

She swallowed, forcing herself to stay strong, forcing her pain down. There was no time for it.

"Shadow, listen to me very carefully," she said, stepping toward him.

The boy stiffened, clutching the baby protectively, his eyes darting toward the shaking walls, as if realizing what she was about to ask.

"No." His voice wavered. "Mom, you said I shouldn't—"

"I know, baby." She placed her hands gently on his arms, steadying him as she gazed into his frightened eyes. "But this is important."

The floor trembled violently beneath them. Distant screams filled the air, the sound of battle creeping ever closer. Liliam knew she had seconds before the door behind her would no longer be safe.

She reached for the child in his arms.

Shadow hesitated. "Mom—"

"Give her to me."

His hands trembled as he passed the small bundle to her. She cradled the baby close to her chest, inhaling deeply, letting the soft warmth ground her.

Shadow clenched his jaw, his breathing uneven. "You said I should never interfere with time travel unless it was absolutely necessary."

"This is necessary." She looked at him with pleading eyes, her fingers tightening around the baby's blanket. "You need to go back and help them."

Shadow swallowed hard, his youthful face etched with turmoil. His hands clenched at his sides, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

Another blast shook the castle. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. They had found them.

Her grip on the baby tightened.

"Go!" she urged, voice breaking with urgency.

Shadow hesitated for only a second more. Then, his eyes hardened with resolve.

He vanished.

Just as the door behind her burst open.