Chapter 171 - An Unfathomable Encounter

Feeling the familiar weight of his coat on his shoulders, Arman inhaled deeply. The lingering cloud of the enchantment that had left him weak and unintelligible had finally lifted. It felt freeing to have clarity, as if he might regain control at last. This time, it wasn't for comfort that he tightened his hold on his hip flask. It was part of a scheme tonight, a ruse to get out the person who had attempted to quiet him. The cold night breeze brushed his skin as he made his way through the palace's dimly illuminated hallways and out into the open. He was drawn to the edge of the trees, the very spot where he had been attacked initially. Knowing that he might have to confront his assailant once more caused a peculiar sense of anticipation to seep into his veins as he went through the shadows. Tonight, the moon was concealed, leaving the woods in deep shadow. With its twisted branches spreading out like arms toward the sky, Arman discovered the tree he remembered from that fatal