Everspring was no longer safe. The townsfolk had turned suspicious. Some believed the children had brought danger upon them. Others whispered of curses.
Still, a few remained loyal Melia, the old midwife, and a mute boy named Thalen who had always watched the children with quiet admiration.
In secret, Liora and Jalen returned to the willow.
There, they made a vow.
"If we must fight, we fight for love," Liora said.
"And if we fall," Jalen added, "we will rise again in whatever form, in whatever time."
They clasped hands beneath the stars and carved a new sigil into the willow: a heart entwined with roots, pulsing with light.
It was their mark.
Their promise.