We found the Altar, and though I tried to stay calm, my nerves were on edge.
Quinn kept stealing glances at me, while Celine remained alert, scanning our surroundings.
Our past experiences warned us that something terrible might appear, but this time, nothing happened.
Ipretended to casually examine the inscriptions on the pedestal, topped with a massive lunar disk.
Quinn brushed away vines and withered plants, pretending to take notes.
We couldnt communicate openly with Aldric standing so close, positioned right between Quinn and me.
That man was absurdly possessive.
I quickly memorized the intricate words.
They were complex, and I couldnt fully grasp their meaning.
There didnt seem to be more of the storyjust descriptions of tasks to come.
I turned away as if uninterested.
The breeze rustled through the leaves above, and though it was midday, the shade of the towering oaks kept the temperature cool.
Quinn, tell me we wont have to stay in this pack for days like last time, Aldric asked, his tone sharp.
Quinn gave a brief reply, throwing me a quick glance through an oval gap in the vines.
Less talking, more focusing on the inscriptions.
Lets move our asses and get out of here.
I dont like this pack being so close to the borders of the Realm.
You know how tense the situation is, Aldric growled softly, and I rolled my eyes.
Valeria, are you feeling alright? Its a bit warm, Celine said, coming to my side and helping me sit under the shade of the Altar at its base while Aldric kept watch.
That was our signalshe was really asking if Thad deciphered the message.
Iwas about to respond when a half-hidden set of markings caught my attention.
Reaching out, [brushed away the moss, my heart skipping a beat as I uncovered my name, crudely carved into the stone.
The letters didnt seem to belong to the original monument.
They werent even in the same ancient language, yet I understood them perfectly.
«My little raven, if youve made it here, it means all my efforts were worth it.
Dont reveal the information about this Altar to anyone yet.
Trust your old nanny, Valeria.
The ravens will soon guide you tome» A lump formed in my throat, and tears burned in my eyes.
I tried to hide my reaction, but Celine was already looking at me with a questioning expression.
I didnt even know why I felt this wayso sad, so nostalgic.
[had no idea who had written ---- those words, which clashed entirely with the rest of the monument.
It seemed foolish to trust an unknown phrase.
It could bea lie, a trap.
Yet every instinct had screamed at me to believe it.
My little raven.
Someone, long ago, had called me that.