Chapter 30

The air felt heavier in the camp after Astra’s revelation. The firepits burned low, the scent of smoldering wood mixing with the damp morning mist. Warriors moved in hushed tones, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on them.

Elara stood near the edge of the ruins, her fingers curled around the hilt of her dagger. The blade was cool against her palm, grounding her in the reality of the moment. Draven was alive.

Leon approached, his golden eyes sharp. "We need to decide our next move."

Elara exhaled, tilting her head toward the camp. "They’re already on edge. If we tell them now, it might break them."

Leon studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, in a rare display, he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers—subtle, almost fleeting, but it was enough to make her breath hitch.

"You’re not alone in this," he murmured.

Elara swallowed hard but didn’t pull away. The connection between them had been growing, shifting in ways she hadn’t dared acknowledge. But now, with Draven’s return looming over them, it felt like something fragile on the verge of breaking.

She forced herself to focus. "Astra might be lying. Or she might be playing us."

Leon gave a sharp nod. "Then let’s find out which."

\---

**Interrogation**

The tent was dim, the only light coming from a single lantern swaying in the corner. Astra sat with unsettling stillness, her silver eyes gleaming in the flickering glow.

Elara entered first, followed closely by Leon and Soren.

Astra smirked. "I was wondering when you’d come back."

Elara didn’t waste time. "Draven is dead."

Astra tilted her head. "Is he?"

Leon stepped forward, his presence a wall of unspoken menace. "Enough games. If he’s alive, prove it."

Astra leaned back, utterly unfazed. "I don’t need to. You’ll see for yourself soon enough."

Elara clenched her fists. "You keep saying that. But if you want us to trust you, give us something real."

Astra’s smile faded. "Fine. Draven’s power didn’t die with him. Something—or someone—brought him back. But he’s not the same. He’s stronger, darker. Whatever humanity he had before… it’s gone."

A chill ran down Elara’s spine. "Who brought him back?"

Astra hesitated. For the first time, she looked almost reluctant.

Finally, she spoke. "The Shadow Court."

Silence fell like a blade.

Soren cursed under his breath. "You’re lying."

Elara’s chest tightened. The Shadow Court was a myth—an ancient cult rumored to serve forces older than time itself. If they were real, if they were involved—

Leon’s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Why would they help Draven?"

Astra’s silver eyes locked onto Elara. "Because they want you dead."

The words landed like a punch.

Elara’s pulse roared in her ears, but she forced herself to stay still. "Why?"

Astra exhaled. "Because you’re the only one who can stop him."

\---

**The Decision**

Elara stood outside the tent, the cold night air biting at her skin. The weight of the moment pressed down on her.

Leon joined her, his presence steady. "You believe her."

It wasn’t a question.

Elara let out a slow breath. "I don’t know if we have a choice."

Leon studied her, then spoke carefully. "Then we prepare for war."

She turned to him, something fragile in her expression. "We might not win this time."

Leon’s eyes softened just enough that the tension in her chest eased. "Then we fight like hell anyway."

Elara exhaled, the moment between them lingering. Then, before she could second-guess herself, she reached for his hand.

For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t carrying the weight alone.

But the storm was coming.

And she wasn’t sure if they were ready.