William had six days left.
The sentence was clear: seven days to leave Veridias City. He had spent the first day packing, saying nothing, avoiding the crowds that gathered outside his house. Now the sun was setting on day two, and he still hadn't told Elara goodbye.
She found him on the roof.
"You're leaving at dawn."
"Tomorrow. Yes."
"You weren't going to tell me."
"I was going to leave a letter."
Elara sat beside him. Her brown eyes were red, but she wasn't crying. Not anymore.
"I hate you sometimes."
"I know."
"You saved the east. You saved the city. You saved everyone. And they're throwing you out like garbage."
"The council made a choice."
"The council made a mistake."
William looked at the stars. The same stars his mother had seen. The same stars the Saint had seen.
"Ma
