Four years passed. Spring had come again, and wildflowers blanketed the hills.
The northern campaign was over. The lost territories had been reclaimed, and the royal court prepared a grand celebration to bestow new honors upon Cassian.
He refused all of it. He rode south alone and stopped before the same grave where he had nearly taken his own life four years ago.
Cassian had spent years on the battlefield, and the only thing that kept him alive through it all was the memory of Audrey.
He had made her a vow. Once the war was over, he would come straight back to her side.
He whispered, "Audrey, I kept my promise. The kingdom's borders are safe." His voice cracked. "I'm coming to be with you now. Is that alright?"
He uncorked the vial of poison he had prepared long ago. The glass touch
