**Aiden’s Pov**
The fire is low, just embers in the grate. AIDEN sits at his desk, hunched forward, staring into the dark rim of his wine glass. The dagger lies on the table, untouched but present—like a word unsaid.
The door opens hard.
**MYRRA (O.S.)**
“She’s gone.”
Aiden looks up slowly. **MYRRA** stands in the doorway, soaked from rain, hair plastered to her forehead, breath short.
**AIDEN**
“Who?”
**MYRRA**
“Ember.”
Silence hangs in the room. Aiden doesn’t move.
**MYRRA**
“She escaped an hour before the shift change. Two guards dead. One missing. No sign of struggle in the cell. Just… empty.”
Aiden finally rises, smooth and quiet. He walks to the window, pulling aside the curtain. Rain streaks down the glass. He speaks without turning.
**AIDEN**
“Did she say a
