The Love

The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky as Isadora, Lady Amara, and the two men — loyal to Amara — made their way through the overgrown paths near the outer reaches of Veridion's northern woods. They weren't headed to the Forbidden Forest just yet. This was a reconnaissance trip. Lady Amara had insisted on confirming the old passage, a hidden road long spoken of in hushed tones, said to lead close to the forest's veil without drawing unwanted eyes.

Isadora kept a firm hold on the hem of her cloak as brambles brushed her legs. The two men stayed ahead, clearing the way when needed.

"It's still here," one of them grunted, pointing to a half-collapsed stone marker, covered in vines. "Just like the old records said."

Amara nodded. "Good. We'll need to double back later to finish preparations, but this path is still intact."