#Chapter 52: Silver Lake Tensions

The journey to Silver Lake Retreat took us through remote mountain terrain with breathtaking vistas. Riding in the lead vehicle, Luna Elena's voice pulled me from my troubled thoughts. "The mountains have protected us for seventeen generations," Elena said, her fingers tracing patterns on the leather seat between us. "Few outside the bloodline even know this place exists." I watched a golden eagle soar between rocky peaks, momentarily forgetting our predicament. "Aurora," she said, her voice dropping lower, "there's something you should know about Marcus." I turned toward her, alarmed by the worry etching lines around her eyes. "His symptoms have returned, but I’m struggling to connect them to Giana directly," she confided, glancing briefly toward our driver to ensure he couldn't hear. "I've been watching her closely, but I can't catch her in the act." My blood ran cold. "You think she's found another way to poison him?" Elena's fingers twisted in her lap. I'm certain of