Alaric remained seated in front of the crackling fireplace, his grandmother's words hanging heavily in the air. Morgana leaned forward, her piercing eyes locking onto his as she spoke.
"You are not ready," she said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. "The journey you seek, to cross the Veil of the Forgotten, requires strength far beyond what you possess now. Even with your growing power, you have yet to face your most immediate challenges. If you are to survive, let alone prevail, you must focus on what is before you."
Alaric clenched his jaw. "I've dealt with everything so far. What more must I do to prove I'm ready?"
Morgana's eyes softened slightly, though her tone remained resolute. "The Hangrove family and the werewolf clans you have captured are still unresolved issues. They may seem minor compared to the cosmic truths you wish to uncover, but they are no less dangerous. Leave them unchecked, and they will return to haunt you."
