Ethan's POV
The grove was colder than I remembered. The mist hung low between the trees, curling around the ancient stones that lined the path. I walked ahead, the guards trailing behind me as they dragged Asha forward in chains. Her wrists were raw from the iron cuffs, her eyes red from crying.
"Please… my prince," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Please let me go. I've done nothing."
I didn't answer. I couldn't. Every word I said would only make this harder. There was no other way—at least that's what I kept telling myself. The only chance she had left was if the priestess rejected her.
