POV EMMA BELLE
The Iron-Oak outpost was slowly exhaling. The scent of woodsmoke and roasting venison replaced the acrid stench of battle, and for the first time in my life, I didn't wake up reaching for a dagger. I woke up to the sunlight hitting the silver mark on my neck and the distant sound of children laughing in the snow.
Félix was already out with Damon, helping to oversee the repairs of the southern wall, which gave me exactly what I needed: a clean escape.
I found Maya in her cottage, surrounded by drying bundles of mountain-clover and the sharp, clean scent of crushed eucalyptus. She looked up as I entered, a wooden spoon in her hand and a knowing glint in her honey-colored eyes.
"Well, if it isn't the Goddess of Destruction herself," Maya teased, gesturing for me t
