Snow swirled across the walls of Auroria as Aria stood atop the highest tower, staring at the army gathered below.
Thousands of warriors.
Thousands of enemies.
Black banners fluttered in the icy wind, each marked with the crimson crest of Cassian's bloodline.
At their center sat a lone rider on a dark horse.
Ethan Cassian.
The heir of the man who had destroyed her ancestors.
"He came faster than expected," Kael said as he joined her.
Aria folded her arms.
"He knew we would find Auroria."
Kael nodded.
"Which means someone informed him."
The possibility of a traitor hung heavily between them.
Before either could speak again, a horn echoed across the frozen valley.
Ethan's army parted.
The young king rode forward alone.
No guards.
No weapons drawn.
Only confidence.
"What is
