The car slowed as it entered the familiar stretch of forest leading into Silverblade territory. The late afternoon sun filtered through the canopy, painting streaks of gold across the windshield. Shafts of light pierced through the mist that hung low between the trees, curling like ghostly ribbons over the path. Each twist of the road seemed to breathe life into old memories—some warm, some raw.
Elaine’s chest tightened as she watched the scenery blur past. This was home once… and yet, it felt like a lifetime ago.
Her fingers curled over her lap, nails lightly digging into the fabric of her jeans. She had left this place to survive—to heal—but now fate was pulling her back, forcing her to face everything she had buried. Every heartbeat brought her closer to the ghosts she’d tried so hard
