Or…
The second outcome was terrifying.
More than terrifying. It was a damn nightmare dressed in a king's robe.
Because she knew people like that existed.
Beings so powerful, their aura didn't just hide—it vanished.
Their presence became weightless. Soundless. Invisible.
Not because they were weak.
But because they had transcended the very need to be sensed.
The old elven queen was one of them.
Centuries-old. Graceful. Regal. And monstrous in power.
Stand next to her, and the only clue you'd get about her strength was the instinctual tightening in your gut.
Like your soul knew it was standing beside a god.
Celeste remembered that suffocating feeling.
The way her instincts had screamed even when her magic told her "all clear."
And now… she felt it again.
Right here.
In front of her.
Staring at a man she swore they had killed.
"Don't tell me…"
She didn't realize she'd spoken it aloud, until—
"Don't."
Came the deep, calm voice from Rae.
She froze.
