Kaelira's POV
The northern wind whipped against my face, carrying the scent of frost and iron, and I realized I hadn’t drawn a full breath in minutes.
My hands were clenched so tightly around the edges of my cloak that the seams groaned. Yet I didn’t stop walking. Not for Darius, not for the guards, not even for the fear clawing at the edges of my mind.
Serenya followed a half-step behind me, eyes darting to the walls, to the watchtowers, and finally settling on me. “Kaelira… you should wait. At least have reinforcements.”
I shook my head, forcing my legs to carry me forward despite the ache in my ribs from the bond’s violent rupture.
“No,” I said firmly. “I don’t wait for anyone. Not for him. Not for… anyone who doubts me.”
Maelin moved along my other side, her eyes scanning the h
