The council’s betrayal tasted bitter on my tongue long before their soldiers arrived.
The fortress was already changing. Warriors loyal to Kade moved in tight formations, blocking entrances, whispering orders. The corridors hummed with tension. Every glance that fell on me was a mix of awe and fear.
I didn’t blame them. I was changing too.
Kade stood in the war chamber, his back to me, staring at a map sprawled across the table. His hands were braced against the wood, veins tense beneath his skin.
“They’ll be here by nightfall,” he said without turning. His voice was clipped, sharp. “They’ll claim they’re here for negotiations. They’re not.”
I folded my arms. “They’re here for me.”
“Yes.” He finally looked at me. His eyes were steel. “And they’re not leaving with you.”
Something twi
