Snow fell thick as ash as Katherine stood in the courtyard of Whitefang Keep.
The square was packed—warriors, farmers, scholars, pups—shoulder to shoulder. The murmurs came in waves.
“Is it true?"
“She planned her own kidnapping?"
“She doesn't remember anything. How can we trust her?"
Damian stood silently at her side, offering no command. No protection.
This was her fight.
Katherine stepped forward alone.
“I was attacked three days ago," she said, voice clear. “I was bound in silver, held in secret tunnels, nearly executed by the king's cousin."
A low growl echoed through the crowd.
“But that's not why I've asked you here."
She drew a deep breath. “You deserve the truth. I lost three years of memory in that first ambush—the one staged to lure traitors from my homeland. I rememb
