ASHER'S POV
The air out here feels different. Colder. Sharper. Like it knows I don't belong anymore.
I stand just beyond Silver Moon territory, boots sunk in soft earth, staring out at the path that leads straight to the Blades of Everfrost command site. I know every tree, every bend, every shadow. I know exactly how many steps it takes to get to the outpost without being seen. Used to take pride in that. Used to breathe this cold mountain air like it meant something.
Now it just burns.
I left before the sun was even up. Didn't tell anyone. Didn't look back. Not even at her. Especially not at her.
The command building is half-hidden in a jagged wall of stone, snow still crusting the ledges from last week's storm. The guards see me coming but don't say anything. Just nod an
