CHAPTER FOUR: The Warning in the Forest
The moon lit the forest in silver shadows as Ravena ran deeper into the trees. Her boots crunched against dried leaves. Her breath puffed out in quick clouds. The quiet of the woods wrapped around her like a blanket… until she heard voices.
She crouched low behind a thick tree trunk.
Through the bushes, she saw figures—dozens of them, armored and masked. At the center stood a tall man with a sharp voice.
"The attack begins at dawn," he said. "The King must fall. The palace will burn. And we'll take the throne."
Ravena's heart raced. A coup…
Another voice replied, "Should we spare anyone?"
The tall one chuckled. "No. The royal family dies. All of them."
Ravena's hands clenched into fists. She didn't care that the kingdom had turned its back on her. She didn't care that the nobles called her cursed. This was still her home.
She turned and bolted through the woods, leaping over fallen branches, ignoring the pain in her legs and the cold in her lungs.
---
At the palace gates, the guards were startled.
"Princess Ravena! Where have you been?"
"Where's the King? Take me to him—now!" she barked.
---
Inside the throne room, King Aelric sat with his nobles.
"Father!" she shouted, bursting through the doors.
All eyes turned.
"Where have you been?" asked the King sternly.
"There's no time," she said, panting. "We're under threat. There are warriors in the woods—hundreds of them! They plan to strike at dawn."
The court murmured.
One noble stood. "She's mad. It's another trick of hers—another curse!"
"She's been tainted since birth!" said another. "Her darkness has returned!"
"Silence!" the King snapped. "Ravena, are you certain?"
"I saw them with my own eyes. I heard the plan."
"You lie!" spat one of the Queen's advisors. "You've always wanted to bring ruin! Maybe you lured them here yourself!"
Ravena turned slowly to him, her green eyes cold.
"I hope you fall with them tonight."
Gasps filled the room.
At that moment, General Kael ran in.
"My King! Scouts have returned—there are enemy troops surrounding the forest! We must act now!"
The room fell silent.
The King stood.
"Send the guards. Lock the gates. Evacuate the court."
He looked at Ravena—his eyes softening.
"You were right.".