Here's a short snippet from the chapter that just dropped. Guildmaster Arlen reconnects with a former party member:
It wasnât until the path began to dry under their feet that Arlen finally spoke.
âYou know,â he said thoughtfully, âI always thought youâd stick with Jared. After the Valorbound Pact split.â
Elena didnât answer immediately. She flicked a clump of swamp gunk from her sleeve and kept walking.
âHonestly?â she said at last, voice light but honest. âSo did I.â
Arlen raised a brow at her. She gave a half-shrug, like the truth wasnât complicated, just heavy.
âAdventuring was good. More than good, most days. But JaredâŚâ She waved vaguely at the misty trees around them.
âHe wanted to build something lasting. To be a symbol. And me?â A crooked smile tugged at her mouth. âI wanted to keep moving. Tinkering. Brewing. Blowing things up for the greater good.â
âYou were useful,â Arlen said, sincere. âYou still are.â
Elena snorted. âIâm useful like a firecracker in a library. Memorable, sure. Just not always... appreciated.â