The next artifact lay within the Forest of Echoes, where sounds of the past haunted travelers. Each step led them deeper into memories—not just of Cassia’s life but of Alaric’s too. The forest revealed snippets of Alaric’s betrayal and the pain it caused, as well as Cassia’s moments of self-doubt. Their shared vulnerability forged an even deeper connection, culminating in a heartfelt moment where they vowed to support each other, no matter the cost.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.