Chapter 27: A Future Forged in Flame

The forest was alive with sound. Birds sang from the branches, their songs echoing through the trees, and the distant rustle of deer moving through the undergrowth whispered like a lullaby. The air smelled fresh, clean, as if the Hollow itself had exhaled after holding its breath for too long. Lucien stood at the edge of the treeline, his hand resting on the rough bark of an old oak. The scars from the curse still marred some of the trunks — black streaks and twisted knots — but new growth pushed through the decay. Life always found a way. Behind him, Serena's footsteps crunched against fallen leaves. She slid her hand along his back, resting her head against his arm. “You come here a lot,” she whispered. Lucien exhaled, his chest rising and falling slowly. “I like the quiet,” he admitted, his fingers curling against the bark. “It reminds me that we won.” Serena laced her fingers through his. “We did,” she whispered, squeezing his hand. “But you still look for shadows.” Lucien