For so long, Lavender had carried the weight of rejection, betrayal, and loneliness. The memories of Cedar's betrayal flared in her mind—the cold nights she had endured, the mocking laughter of Fern that cut deeper than any physical wound. Those memories had been chains, binding her to a life she no longer wanted, but tonight, those chains were breaking.
Without warning, a sharp gust cut through the haze, and she sensed movement. Dahlia’s attack came swift and precise, but Lavender’s instincts kicked in. Her body twisted, narrowly dodging the healer’s strike even as her eyes remained closed. The sound of Dahlia’s movements echoed in her mind, guiding her as though she could see with her ears.