Echoes of Grayrock
A brittle dawn light filtered through the ice-crusted windows as Vera Lanst led Yurian Helios down the winding corridors toward the stables. Frost lingered on the stone walls, and her breath left clouds in the still air. Today they would journey to the ruins of Grayrock—hers by blood, his in legend.
At the stables, two midnight-black destriers stamped their feet. Maris and Captain Bren stood by, saddles laid out. Maris bowed. “Your Majesty, Queen Thera, all is prepared."
Vera nodded, securing the true directive in a hidden pocket. “Thank you." She slid into the saddle, the tall stirrups offset by her long riding skirt. Yurian swung up beside her, cloak fluttering. His armor caught the pale light, runes gleaming faintly.
They rode out through the eastern gate, the mor
