The forest was quiet, the air heavy with the scent of rain. Cinder walked alongside Jason, her thoughts swirling like storm clouds. They were returning from a scouting mission when Zara hurried toward them, her face pale and her eyes wide with urgency.
"You both need to come with me," Zara said quickly.
Jason frowned. "What's wrong?"
Zara hesitated, glancing around as though the trees had ears. "It's about the throne. There's something I need to show you—someone, actually."
Cinder and Jason exchanged a glance before following Zara deeper into the woods.
---
The clearing Zara led them to was hidden, surrounded by thick trees and moss-covered stones. A small cabin stood in the center, its wooden walls worn but sturdy. Standing in front of the cabin was a figure wrapped in a dark cloak.
"This is Elias," Zara said, her voice soft but steady.