CHAPTER SIXTY ONE - Memories Written In Stone

They walked in tense silence through the fortress, passing guards who nodded respectfully to Viktor while eyeing Aria with wary curiosity. The last vestiges of her escape plan faded with each step, replaced by a new strategy – observation, information gathering, patience. Viktor led her to the central courtyard, where moonlight bathed the ancient stones in silver. At the center stood Morgana, her hands already glowing with arcane energy. "You've convinced her," the witch observed, her eyes meeting Aria's with an unspoken question. "My daughter has agreed to stay willingly," Viktor confirmed. "In exchange for certain freedoms." Morgana nodded slowly. "The binding spell was never meant to be permanent. It will be simpler to remove than to cast." "What do I need to do?" Aria asked, stepping forward. "Stand in the center," Morgana instructed, gesturing to a circle etched into the stone. "And state your intention aloud – your willing choice to remain at Shadow Crest without magical co