CHAPTER <b>102 </b>


    There was nothing more we could do at the caves, so we gathered everyone together and began the journey back toward the vige, moving with as much caution and vignce as we could muster. The path offered few ces to hide, and yet, the thought didn’tfort us–if anyone was watching, they would have an unobstructed view. But it wasn’t just ordinary eyes we feared. The Ash Queen’s magic could reach us in ways we couldn’t see or understand. She could be observing every step we took right now, her presence hidden in shadows or whispers, and we wouldn’t even know it. The weight of that possibility pressed down on us with every careful footfall.


    We made our way straight back to the vige, moving as quickly as we dared, and reported everything we had seen. Elias was particrly distraught, his fists clenching as he spoke about the wolves that were now missing. The worry in his eyes mirrored the unease we all felt–those creatures weren’t just animals; they were part of the bnce we were trying to protect. The rest of us exchanged uneasy nces, knowing that the disappearance was more than just a simple loss–it was a warning.


    They had either been taken or had fled–there were no bodies to be found. If it had been a death struggle, the area would have been littered with the aftermath, but there was nothing. The absence of evidence only made it more unsettling. Whatever had happened defied exnation, leaving a gnawing sense of unease in all of us. Something powerful, something beyond our understanding, had urred–and we were left to wonder if it was over, or if it was only the beginning.


    Arthur ordered Kronos to leave and go check the other camps immediately. But to take back up with him so Kronos did as he said. And Elias made double sure that they weren’t attacked so he sent wolves along with them.


    “Well, we were able to hunt today while you were gone. There’s not a lor food but it should be enough for everyone to get a little bit.” Arthur said.


    “That’s fine. Whatever we can get.” I said.


    “Lyra. Have your abilities changed at all since you were herest?” He asked.


    I frowned. “What do <i>you </i>mean?” Something about the way he asked made me uneasy. Was he just making conversation, or… was he testing me?


    “Well, have they advanced or grown or anything like that? I mean, you were pretty powerful when you were herest, but I thought they might have improved.” He said.


    I hesitated. I could still shoot dragonfire, that much was true, but I didn’t know if that was


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    enough for him. “I don’t think so. I can still shoot dragonfire if that’s what you’re worried


    about.”


    “No. Of course not. I knew you would still possess that.” He said.


    “So… what are you asking?” I pressed. “I’m still the same girl you knew when I was herest.”


    He paused, looked at me for a long moment, and then slowly turned away, walking off without another word. My stomach tightened. Had I misunderstood him? Or had he been hiding something all along?


    I looked at Elias and even he was eyeing Arthur really suspiciously. He thought those questions were strange and I didn’t know what to make of them either.


    Why was he so interested in my powers? Even if they were the same, he still knew that I was powerful and I could do things that he couldn’t. That was always pretty damn clear.


    But why ask if they have advanced or if I’ve gained new powers. What would even possess him to ask something like that?


    I slowly walked towards the edge of the vige where the small forest was still standing and I could hear the faint sound of children running andughing and ying.


    I can see them right in front of my face now. I am only 10 years old and I am watching them ying in the forest having fun. I slowly start to follow them when a boy stands in front of me.


    “Who said you could y with us, freak?” He spat.


    “I’m not a freak.” I shot back, my voice shaking.


    “Everyone knows you’re not normal, Celestra.” He sneered, drawing out my name like it was poison.


    “Just let me y. I didn’t do anything to you.” I pleaded.


    “You hurt everyone. That’s why you don’t belong.” His shout cut through me like a de, and before I could respond, he shoved me hard. I hit the ground, the sting in my palms burning as he bolted off into the forest to join the other children–leaving me behind in the dirt.


    I stood up from where he had pushed me down and I turned to see my mother standing at the door of our hut with her arms crossed watching me.


    I turned back to face the children ying and I could feel my breathing getting heavier and


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    heavier as my anger started to fuel whatever was inside me.


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    Suddenly a lightning bolt struck one of the trees and arge thick trunk fell right onto the boy, pinning him beneath it.


    I turned back to look at my mother and she was standing there with a smile on her face while adults were running past me to run and help the boy.


    I suddenly felt a pair of hands on my arms and it pulled me out of the day dream.


    “Are you alright? You seemed uneasy just now.<i>” </i>Elias said, his brow furrowed.


    “I’m fine… just thinking.” I replied, though my mind was anything but calm.


    “About something important?” He pressed.


    “Maybe.” I admitted, looking away. “But it doesn’t feel important… at least, not yet.”


    “I don’t follow<i>.</i><i>” </i>He said.


    “Neither do I.” I whispered, more to myself than to him.


    It was finally starting to dawn on me. I was reliving the ck witch’s life. I was seeing her memories from when she was a child and she grew up in this realm. But I thought she grew up in my world. Maybe there’s more to her story than we even know.


    But one thing I knew for sure was that nothing like this had ever happened to me before. The way my power had surged… the way it had <i>reacted </i>when I killed her–it was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I had to find out what had really happened that day. I had to understand exactly what was going on with me, and why it felt so different, so alive, so .. dangerous.


    I walked to the other side of the vige and I started getting my bearings of where we were and where things used to be located when it was a proper realm. Before the destruction. And that’s when I went back to find Elias.


    “We’re leaving.” I said.


    “What?” He asked, confused.


    “Not for good. I just have to check something out. I don’t want to go alone. Can youe with me?” I asked.


    “Yeah. Of course.<i>” </i>He said.


    “Alright. Let’s go–before Arthur starts asking questions.” I said.


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    Elias and I grabbed our things in a rush, hearts pounding, and slipped out <i>of </i>the vige while Arthur was distracted with his own people, wrapped up in whatever schemes or business had consumed him these days. Every step felt heavier than thest, as if the vige itself knew we were leaving and wanted to slow us down. We moved quickly, staying close to the shadows, careful not to draw any attention.


    <b>CHAPTER </b><b>103 </b>