A kiss to calm the storm

(Chapter 82:Mira's POV)

The air was thick with exhaustion and tension as we rode through the dense forest, the moon barely illuminating the twisting paths ahead. Lorenzo's warmth was still fresh on my skin, his blood still staining my hands despite my attempts to wipe it away. He was quiet behind me, his breathing even but heavy.

Caelyn led us toward an area I didn't recognize, but I trusted him. He wouldn't take us anywhere unsafe. After what felt like an eternity, we finally emerged into a clearing surrounded by towering trees, their leaves shimmering faintly in the moonlight. A small stone cottage stood nestled against the rock face, half-covered in vines. It was old, hidden, and radiating a familiar presence.

I froze in my saddle.

"This place…" My voice was barely above a whisper.

Caelyn dismounted first, turning to me with a rare softness in his eyes. "This is where your mother was hidden."