Xander’s Pov As we stand amidst the wreckage of the battlefield, Allegra's voice breaks the silence, filled with uncertainty. “Do you think she's really gone for good?” she asks, her gaze sweeping the horizon, searching for any lingering threat.I met Allegra's gaze with a grim expression, my doubts mirrored in her eyes. “I wish I knew, Allegra,” I replied, my voice tinged with concern. “Elara is cunning, and she always seems to find a way back. We can't afford to let our guard down just yet.”Her nod of agreement is heavy with the weight of our shared apprehension. Despite our victory, the looming shadow of Elara's return hangs over us, a constant reminder of the ever-present danger we face.Together, we turn away from the battlefield, the echoes of our triumph mingling with the somber realization that our struggle is far from over. But as we walk side by side, a sense of determination courses through me, fueled by the knowledge that as long as Allegra and I stand united, we can we

Xander’s Pov As we finally arrive back at our stronghold, weary but victorious, I waste no time in instructing Richard on what needs to be done. “We need to act quickly,” I urged, my voice urgent as I outlined my plan. “Crush the wolfsbane leaves and boil them up. Then, when it's ready, administer it to Elara as a drip directly into her veins.”Richard nods in understanding, his expression grim as he realizes the gravity of the situation. “Got it,” he confirms, his tone resolute as he sets about gathering the necessary materials. “I'll get started right away.”As Richard busies himself with the task at hand, I turn my thoughts to Allegra.Having given Richard clear instructions on preparing the wolfs bane concoction, I leave him in charge, eager to check on Allegra. As I approach our room, a faint sound catches my attention—a soft, muffled sob emanating from within. Concerned, I push the door open gently, not wanting to startle her.Inside, I find Allegra sitting on the edge of the b

Xander’s Pov Finally, after what feels like an eternity, we reach the end of our questioning, the last soldier standing before us with a defiant glare. “I don't know anything about Elara's plans,” he insists, his voice tinged with defiance. “I swear it.”I exchange a glance with Richard, silently communicating our doubts. But as we weigh our options, a sudden realization dawns upon me. “Bring out the wolfs bane,” I command, my voice firm and unwavering. “Let's see if he's telling the truth.”With a sense of urgency, we retrieve the potent herb, its pungent scent filling the air as we approach the soldier. “Hold out your arm,” I instruct, my tone leaving no room for argument.Reluctantly, the soldier complies, his eyes widening in fear as he watches us draw closer. With careful precision, Richard administers the wolf's bane, its effects immediate as the soldier's eyes widen in pain.For a moment, there is only silence, the courtyard holding its breath as we await his response. And the

Allegra’s PovAs Xander's breathing steadies, his body relaxed in sleep, I can't help but let my mind wander to the events of the day. It feels like we're constantly fighting against some unseen force, struggling to maintain the fragile peace we've worked so hard to achieve. Sighing softly, I brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, my thoughts swirling with worry and uncertainty."Hey," I whisper, my voice barely above a murmur. "Are you still awake?"Xander stirs slightly, his eyes fluttering open as he turns to face me. "Yeah," he replies, his voice heavy with sleep. "What's on your mind, Allegra?"I bite my lip, unsure of where to start. "I just...I can't shake this feeling that something's not right," I confess, my voice barely more than a whisper. "It's like no matter how hard we try, there's always another obstacle in our path."He reaches out, taking my hand in his, his touch a comforting anchor in the darkness. "I know what you mean," he murmurs, his voice filled with un

Allegra’s PovAs we're still talking, Xander reaches out, his hand seeking mine in the darkness. “I understand your fears, Allegra,” he says softly, his touch a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. “But we can't let fear control us. We have to trust that we can handle whatever comes our way, together.”I pull away, my heart heavy with doubt. “I just don't know if I can do this,” I admit, my voice barely more than a whisper.He sits up, his eyes searching mine in the dim light of our room. “You're stronger than you think, Allegra,” he says, his voice filled with conviction. “You've faced challenges before, and you've always come out stronger on the other side. We can do this together.”I want to believe him, I truly do. But the fear that gnaws at my insides refuses to be silenced. “I'm scared, Xander,” I confess, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “Scared of what's to come, scared of what we might lose.”He gathers me into his arms, holding me close as I bury my face against his c