amdauthor

Synopsis: The Sins That Bind Us

Phileo killed her family. Evelyne knows this. And yet—she walks beside him.

She should have hated him. She should have sought vengeance. But the world is never so simple. The man who tore her life apart is also the only one who can help her uncover the truth—the truth about why her parents were marked for death, the truth about the shadowed hands that still pull the strings from the dark.

But blood cannot be washed away so easily.

With every step, Phileo is forced to confront the weight of his sins, the ghost of the girl he left behind, now grown into a woman who refuses to break. Evelyne does not forgive. She does not forget. And though she needs him now, one day, she will have to decide—justice or survival.

Because when the past finally catches up to them, neither of them may walk away alive.

TruthUntold

The journey to Valmere stretched ahead like an unspoken challenge.

The forest had thinned, giving way to rolling hills bathed in the soft light of dawn. Evelyne tightened her grip on the reins, eyes scanning the horizon. They had been riding for hours, yet tension clung to the air. Every so often, she glanced over at Phileo. He hadn't spoken much since they left their temporary resting spot by the river. His gray eyes were distant, calculating.

Beside her, Alsiel let out a yawn, stretching his arms. "So, we're walking into a trap. Fun. Can't wait to see how that plays out."

Evelyne shot him a glare. "You're enjoying this?"

"Not particularly. But stressing over it won't change the fact that we're riding straight into the Order's net." He grinned lazily. "Might as well enjoy the scenery before we all die."

Phileo's voice cut through the morning air. "No one is dying."

Alsiel snorted. "Glad to hear you're feeling optimistic."

Phileo ignored him, slowing his horse as the path curved toward a valley. "We'll reach Valmere by nightfall. We stick to the plan—find information, seek allies. We don't draw attention."

Evelyne arched a brow. "You do realize you're Phileo, right? Keeping a low profile isn't exactly your specialty."

Phileo's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue.

The closer they got to Valmere, the heavier the air became. It wasn't just exhaustion from the road—it was the certainty that their enemies were already waiting.

And yet, they had no choice but to press on.

By dusk, the towering gates of Valmere loomed before them.

The city was unlike the quiet towns they had passed—Valmere pulsed with life. Torches flickered along the cobbled streets, casting shadows against stone walls. Merchants called out their wares, travelers moved in and out of taverns, and guards patrolled in practiced formations.

Evelyne inhaled deeply. "So, where do we start?"

Phileo's gaze swept over the crowd. "We split up. Gather information separately—less suspicion that way."

Alsiel rolled his eyes. "Splitting up in enemy territory? Smart."

Phileo gave him a sharp look. "We regroup in three hours. No unnecessary risks."

She had a feeling those words would mean little in the end.

Because in a city like Valmere, trouble was inevitable.

Chapter 32: Into the Unknown