Jamie ran as fast as she could, her breath sharp against the cold air. Snow crunched beneath her boots, and the distant glow of the fairies' lights led her straight to the clearing.
Her heart thudded in her chest—Lucian had been there, fighting, and she had no idea what condition he was in.
When she finally arrived, the sight that greeted her stopped her in her tracks.
The clearing was empty.
No monster. No traces of the battle. Not even a fragment of its corrupted flesh remained. The snow was smooth and untouched, as though nothing had ever happened.
Her eyes widened, and she immediately rushed toward Lucian, who stood silently at the center. His small figure looked almost fragile, his pale skin glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Lucian! What happened? Where did it go?"
Jamie called out, kneeling beside him.
Lucian's golden eyes flickered toward her, but there was no clear answer in them. His voice came out flat, but heavy.
