Chapter 22

Zoe drifted through the twisting pathways of Nighthaven, the weight of the Chronicles of the Aetherians heavy in her satchel and on her mind. Training with the other wolves had been a much-needed release, yet the surge of energy from her newfound abilities still hummed inside her. She needed a quiet place to ground herself, somewhere to untangle the thoughts swirling in her head.

She followed the trail Elara’s words had planted, winding her way toward the eastern wing until she reached an arched entryway leading to the zen gardens. It was a beautiful, serene space - a hidden paradise within Nighthaven. Sculpted stones and trickling streams wove through clusters of lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and tall bamboo. The sun, dipping low in the sky, cast a soft glow across the garden, adding warmth to the already soothing atmosphere.

Zoe sank down onto a smooth, flat rock near a small pond, watching as koi fish glided beneath lily pads, their orange and white scales gleaming in the late a