Changes

It took time to travel from Quel'Thalas to the Eastern Plaguelands—longer than Alleria had imagined. The small party she led spent only one night at the South Wall gate. The Regent Lord barely slept, surviving on little more than magically conjured food. After enduring another two days with what patience she had left, she finally arrived at Marius Farm. During that time, she had gathered every record of what had happened at the farm all those years ago. But because she had personally ordered every trace of Nathanos erased, the information available to her was pitifully scarce. Only now did Alleria realize that her husband existed only in her memories.

The ruins before her stirred the Regent Lord's heart. The battle that had taken place here so many years ago remained as vivid as ever. She sighed, hoping she was ready to face reality.

"Spread out and keep watch. No one is allowed to approach!"

After sending her attendants away, Alleria slowly walked toward the collapsed buildings. She remembered meeting Nathanos here, sharing the joy of Winter Veil nights with his family. Those days were among the few memories she still cherished.

One bone would be enough.

Alleria did not expect Nathanos's body to have remained intact after so many years and countless storms. She only needed to find a single bone. She believed that would prove her husband had truly been laid to rest, and all the rumors would collapse on their own.

The Regent Lord stepped across one piece of broken timber after another until she reached the highest point. Her uneasy heart lurched. Her expression gradually darkened.

Someone had searched these ruins!

"That's impossible!" she whispered in a nearly hoarse voice. "Who was it?"

"It seems you hid a great many things from me, Mother."

Alleria turned