Blackfang Keep loomed like a fortress torn from the bones of a glacier—walls of black ice, turrets veined with old battle scars. As the starfighter descended onto the landing pad, Amber pressed a hand to her chest, steadying her breath.
“I thought warlords lived in palaces," she muttered.
Raven stood beside her, unshackled now, though his visor still covered his eyes. “I don't rule. I endure."
The hatch hissed open. A line of soldiers in dark armor waited, motionless. No salutes. No greetings. Just wary eyes tracking every breath Amber took.
A steward approached. “Commander. The throne suite has been cleared. The pacifier's quarters are—"
“She stays in my room," Raven said flatly.
Amber flinched. “What?"
He turned to her. “I need you nearby during sleep cycles. Midnight's the worst
