Her allies—and some of her friends—had worked tirelessly alongside her, even when it meant making sacrifices no one else would understand.
But despite all their efforts, despite burning every den and purging every foul trace they could find, the true mastermind behind it all still eluded them.
So close. Yet so far.
The worst part? The enemy knew they were being hunted.
They were watching.
Waiting.
Mocking them from the shadows, always one step ahead.
And Emilia hated it.
She hated that no matter how many flames she summoned, how many prayers she whispered, she couldn't burn away this invisible string that kept everything tangled in place.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back, letting her head rest against the cool stone behind her.
She turned her gaze toward Raphael, worry faintly tinting her features. "Uncle Raph… is your wound okay now?"
