The gathering storm

As the first light of dawn crept through the cracks in the inn's wooden shutters, Zia awoke with a sense of urgency. The remnants of the blood bond ritual still thrummed in her veins, a steady reminder of the pact she had forged with Leon and Elysia. The weight of their commitment settled heavily on her shoulders; they were now entwined in a battle against a powerful enemy, and failure was not an option.

She slipped out of bed and dressed quickly, her mind racing with thoughts of Seraphine. The Soul Broker was a master of manipulation and deception, and Zia knew they had to outsmart her if they were to reclaim their freedom. As she fastened her leather belt around her waist, the amulet resting against her chest felt warmer, as if it recognized her resolve.