A week passed since the wedding, and though the joy still lingered in the village, Jon Snow had not been idle. The strange shadow presence had not returned, but his instincts told him it was only the beginning.
One morning, Jon visited Sam and Ren's home. Ren gave him a tired look, still recovering from village-wide celebration duties.
Ren (yawning):
"If you're here to borrow Sam for something reckless, at least bring him back in one piece."
Jon (smiling faintly):
"You have my word."
Sam emerged from their room, adjusting his tunic.
Sam:
"You look serious, Jon. What's happened?"
Jon stepped closer, his tone low and steady.
Jon:
"I need you to come with me. To the Strahl Region… specifically to Amande, in the Galarc Kingdom."
Sam (blinking):
"Why Amande?"
Jon:
"There's a noble house there that's experimenting with forbidden magic—possibly spirit corruption… maybe worse. I have to see it myself. But I don't trust just anyone to come with me."
Sam looked toward Ren, who had now sat up and was listening quietly. Her sharp hazel eyes met his.
Ren:
"Go. You'll regret it if you don't."
Sam turned back to Jon and gave a nod.
Sam:
"When do we leave?"
Jon exhaled with relief. The road ahead would be long, but with Sam beside him, he felt ready to face whatever shadows awaited in Amande.