Kana and Lysera moved quietly through the village, their borrowed cloaks blending them into the crowd of traders.

At first glance, everything seemed normal—stalls stood open, children darted past, voices mingled in idle chatter.

Yet, when they leaned in to listen, the same whispers echoed again and again.

"The sacrifice will strengthen her… The wolf goddess will return…"

No matter where they turned, the talk circled back to the ritual. Kana's chest tightened. They were running out of time.

Lysera tugged lightly at her sleeve.

"We need to find Irielle first. Nothing else matters."

Kana nodded, though her thoughts whirled.

'If I rely only on asking around, we'll waste precious hours. She bit her lip, then turned inward. System—show me something useful.'

As always, the screen of skills shimmered into her vision. None felt right, until her eyes fell on one that pulsed faintly as though waiting for her. Kana chose it without hesitation.

A soft glow spread across her sight, and suddenly a map of the elf village unfurled before her eyes.

Pathways, buildings, guarded posts—all laid bare. More importantly, glowing markers revealed where she stood, where Lysera waited at her side, and deeper within the village… Irielle.

Kana exhaled slowly.

"I've got her location. This way."

Together they slipped through alleys, weaving past carts and watchful eyes.

The closer they came, the quieter the streets grew, until at last they reached the stone structure that matched the marker.

With the guards distracted at the gate, Kana guided Lysera through a narrow opening in the wall, and they slipped inside.

The air was cool and damp, carrying the weight of confinement. At the end of the corridor, lit only by the flicker of torches, Irielle was bound to a carved slab of stone.

Her wrists and ankles were chained with runes that pulsed faintly, cutting deep into her skin.

Her head lifted as they entered, eyes wide.

Kana? Lysera? No—you shouldn't be here! Go back before it's too late."

Her voice was sharp with panic.

Kana hurried forward, dropping to her knees beside her. She reached for the binds, pulling, prying, trying to loosen the enchanted steel.

They didn't budge. The more she struggled, the deeper the runes glowed, burning against Irielle's skin.

"Stop! Don't be foolish. Save yourselves while you still can. You don't understand—they'll kill you too."

Irielle hissed, her irritation mounting.

Kana shook her head fiercely.

"It's already too late to walk away."

Her voice wavered, but her hands didn't stop fighting the chains.

Before she could finish, a door creaked open. A wave of cloying sweetness drifted into the chamber. Kana coughed lightly at the scent, her senses sharpening in alarm.

Her body resisted the drowsiness trying to seep into her veins—but Lysera faltered. She staggered back, her eyelids drooping.

"Lysera!"

Kana reached for her, but shadows moved faster. Figures slipped into the room, and in moments, Lysera was seized. A blade glinted at her throat, pressing close enough to draw a bead of blood.

Kana froze.

From the doorway, a tall figure stepped into the torchlight. His presence was heavy, his face stern. Irielle's expression twisted in dread.

"…Father."

The elf lord ignored her, his eyes instead locking on Kana. He gestured, and the man holding Lysera tightened his grip, the knife pressing deeper.

"If you surrender now, your companion will not be harmed."

He said coldly,

Kana's nails dug into her palms. Every instinct screamed to fight, to lunge, to tear through the binds, but one look at Lysera's pale, frightened face made the decision for her.

Her throat felt dry as she forced the words out.

Kana froze, her pulse hammering in her ears.

Lysera struggled against the arm around her neck, but the blade pressed dangerously close, drawing the smallest line of red against her skin.

"Stop!"

Kana's voice cracked louder than she intended. Her hands trembled, not from fear of death, but from fear of losing someone right in front of her.

She rose slowly to her feet, lifting her arms in surrender.

"Let her go. I'll do whatever you want."

Irielle's father smirked, the expression heavy with condescension.

"Wise choice. At least one of you understands how fragile your position is."

His cold gaze swept over Kana, lingering as though measuring her worth.

"You… you're the human our goddess desires so much."

Kana stiffened at his words but forced herself not to react. Instead, she glanced toward Irielle, who was still bound to the stone.

Irielle's face was pale, her eyes burning with anger and fear. She shook her head vehemently, silently urging Kana not to give in.

"Don't listen to him, Kana! It's a trick! He'll never let any of us go.

Irielle shouted, her voice echoing through the cell.

Her father's expression hardened. With a flick of his wrist, a guard shoved a gag against Irielle's mouth to silence her.

"Enough of that insolence. You've already shamed our family once. Tonight, you'll redeem yourself with your death."

Kana's heart twisted, but she didn't look away. She clenched her fists at her sides, steadying her voice.

"If you want me, fine. But release Lysera first. You don't need her."

The elder elf gave a low chuckle, shaking his head.

"You're in no position to bargain, human. Still, I admire your courage."

He stepped closer, studying Kana's face intently, his sharp eyes narrowing.

"There's something about you… Yes, I see now. The goddess's mark clings to your soul. No wonder she wants you so badly."

Kana's breath hitched.

'Mark? What does he mean by that?'

Before she could dwell on it, the guard tightened his grip on Lysera, making her wince in pain. Kana's resolve wavered, but she forced herself to stay calm.

"Please. Don't hurt her. I'll come quietly."

The elder elf nodded once.

"Very well. Restrain her."

Two guards advanced. Kana didn't resist as they grabbed her arms and twisted them behind her back.

Rough rope bit into her skin, but she didn't cry out. Her eyes remained fixed on Lysera, silently promising her that everything would be alright.

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