NORA POV
Dawn had broken before we reached Embergate’s gatehouse. Dawnlight painted the guards’ banners gold and silver. We passed through the portal dome’s spiral seal—no tremor, no resonance lost—as if the Veiled Wilds’ threat had remained at bay.
Yet, an undercurrent of concern rippled across the courtyard. Council and guardians waited. Our campfire glow sharpened into lantern beams. The watchers fell silent as Aseran was brought to the platform with two escorts.
I stepped forward, cradling Liana, and stood before the Council’s dais. The sun reflected in my spiral mark—thread and bond and warning.
“This is Aseran of the Dawn Gate,” I announced. “He walked the frayed thread to warn us.”
Gasps followed; murmurs rose.
Ronan stood at my side—quiet and alert.
I continued: “He speaks
