Ravencrest would accept the new dominion only if Evelyn signed every guarantee.
Marcus read that report once.
The second message required more attention.
He broke Blackcoast’s seal beside the council chamber window while the morning bells sounded over the conquered city.
Three Blackcoast units had moved toward the northern border.
They had not crossed it.
They had not raised war banners.
They had taken positions where Greyhaven scouts could not fail to see them.
A warning made from soldiers instead of words.
Marcus folded the message as Albert entered the chamber.
Evelyn followed him.
Her dark uniform remained immaculate, but fatigue showed in the care with which she lowered her injured arm beside the map table. Albert noticed too. His body shifted toward her before he stopped h
