Chapter 193 Her Promise 1

Chapter 193: Chapter 193 Her Promise 1

Talia’s POV

I stood in Grandfather Aldric’s room, staring at the map spread across the table.

The fire crackled in the hearth behind me, casting long shadows across the worn paper. I could feel the heat on my back, but my eyes were fixed on the dark region marked with strange symbols.

My finger still traced the path to the Ashen Lands, and my mind was already racing ahead, planning, and preparing.

Grandfather Aldric watched me, and I could see the worry in his eyes. "I am not sure if your mother is still alive, Talia."

I looked up at him, and my voice was steady.

I held his gaze, and I did not waver, because I had come too far to let doubt creep in now.

"I will take my chances." I said firmly.

He nodded slowly, and I saw the respect in his eyes. "I knew you would say that."

I turned to Kaelen. He had been quiet the whole time, watching me, and quietly supporting me. I expected him to try to talk me out of it, and I expected him to tell me it was too dangerous.

But he did not do any of that.

He took my hand and looked in to my eyes. "I am going with you."

My eyes widened. "Kaelen..."

"I am not letting you go alone," he said. "We will leave together, and we will come back together."

I felt the tears prick at my eyes, because I had been so afraid of facing this alone. But I was truly not alone, and my dream of finding my mother was finally coming through.

I squeezed his hand. "Together."

"Together," he repeated.

Grandfather Aldric watched us, and a small smile crossed his face. "You two are going to be unstoppable."

I smiled softly, and took a deep breath.

I looked at the map one last time, and nodded slowly. The Ashen lands might be dangerous, but I had Kaelen, I had Lyra, I had my strength, and I had a promise.

I would find my mother, and I would bring her home, no matter what it takes.

I folded the map carefully and tucked it into my pocket. Because I did not want to let it out of my sight.

I pressed my hand against my pocket, feeling the rough edges of the paper through the fabric. It was a small thing, but it felt like the most important object in the world, which it was.

Because it was the only link I had to my mother, and I would guard it with my life.

The ink had faded in places, and the edges were soft from years of being folded and unfolded, but the careful lines Grandfather Aldric had drawn remained clear enough that I could trace every ridge and valley with my eyes closed if I had to.

Kaelen took my hand.

His fingers were warm and steady, and I felt the tension in my shoulders ease just a little. He always knew how to comfort me, and I loved that about him.

"It is getting late,” he said. “We should go back to the room and rest."

I nodded. I was exhausted, but I knew I would not be able to sleep, because my mind was too full of everything I had learned.

We turned to face Grandfather Aldric, and we bowed to him. He nodded in acknowledgement, before we moved to leave the room.

We walked back to our room together. The hallways were quiet, and our footsteps echoed on the stone floors.

The silence was heavy, but it was not uncomfortable. It just felt like the whole pack house was holding its breath, and waiting for what would come next.

The torches flickered, and the shadows danced on the walls.

I caught my reflection in the dark glass of a window as we passed, and for a moment I barely recognized the woman staring back at me, because her eyes held a determination that had not been there before we entered that room.

When we reached the room, Kaelen opened the door and stepped aside. I walked inside, and he followed, closing the door behind us.

The fire had been lit, and the room was warm.

I let out a breath I did not know I had been holding, and the familiar scent of pine and smoke wrapped around me like a welcome embrace.

I walked to the window and stared out at the dark valley. The mountains stood like shadows against the night sky, and I wondered if my mother was out there somewhere, looking at the same stars.

I pressed my palm against the cold glass, and I imagined her face. I imagined her looking up at the same sky, wondering if I was still alive.

The glass was so cold it made my fingers ache, but I did not pull away, because the sting felt like proof that I was still here, still breathing, and still fighting.

While somewhere out there she might be doing the same.

Kaelen walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. Then he rested his chin on my shoulder.

His breath was warm against my ear, and I leaned into him, grateful for his presence.