The grand hall of Blackmount Fortress gleamed under the glow of enchanted torches. Long tables hewn from dark granite stretched end to end, draped in red-and-white tapestries that fluttered in the chill drafts. Eileen Sherlow stood at the far corner, chained to a carved obsidian pillar as courtiers and captains gathered for the midwinter feast. Despite the flickering warmth of torchlight, a thin film of frost crept across the stone floor, whispering of the snowstorm raging beyond the fortress walls.
High Priestess Thalia presided at the head table, her ornate silver circlet catching the light like moonbeams. Beside her sat Sig Fraser, flanked by his fiercest captains. The warlord king's amber eyes glowed with a mix of suspicion and latent curiosity as he studied his silent bride. Eileen k
