Chapter 136: Hope

The scratching at the window pulls me from my turbulent thoughts, my heart racing as I rush to open it. A messenger hawk flutters in, its wings beating against the air like a frantic drum. I can feel the urgency in its presence, and hope ignites in my chest.

After years of fruitless searching, could this be the sign I've been waiting for? I quickly dress, shoving the letters and Noelle's journal into the inner pocket of my jacket, feeling the worn pages crumple against my chest. They're all I have left of him, and I can't risk losing them.

Once I'm ready, I dash outside, the chill of the night air hitting me like a splash of cold water. I mount my horse, spurring it forward without a second thought. The urgency of Leona's message reverberates in my mind—she found a clue. Just the thought sends adrenaline coursing through my veins.