Duty Over Destiny

The oppressive canopy of the deep woods finally swallowed Valera, her boots tearing recklessly through the damp underbrush.

*What on earth possessed you to run?* Aethra’s voice cracked like a whip inside her skull, laced with a stinging blend of hurt and absolute disbelief.

Valera’s frantic sprint decayed into a heavy, stumbling walk before she halted entirely. The surrounding timber went dead s