The corridor beyond the guest wing was not meant for visitors. Mira knew that the moment she stepped into it.
The air was colder here, heavy with old stone and secrets. Torches burned low along the walls, their flames thin and blue, casting shadows that stretched and twisted like listening ears. She had followed the bond’s pull at first—soft, uneasy but now instinct told her to stop.
Voices drifted toward her, low and urgent.
She pressed herself against the wall and stilled her breath.
“…can’t wait until dawn,” a man was saying. His voice was rough, familiar. Captain Varrik. One of Ryker’s strongest warriors. “If Kael wins the challenge, the decision is made anyway. We save time and blood.”
“And if Ryker wins?” another voice asked.
A pause.
Then Elder Dain spoke, calm and cold. “The
