Before dawn, Leo stood at the edge of the barracks, reading a sealed letter by torchlight.
Cormac approached quietly. “What's that?"
Leo didn't look up. “Selene's order. She wants Seph delivered to the capital by tonight."
“That's suicide," Cormac muttered. “Word's already out. Soldiers are whispering she's the Disaster-Star."
“She isn't."
“Doesn't matter. They'll believe what they're told. You delay, you risk mutiny."
Leo folded the letter, tucking it into his coat. “I'm altering the escort roster."
“To who?"
“You."
Cormac's jaw tightened. “You're trusting me with her?"
“I'm trusting you to get her out alive."
Cormac studied him. “You planning something, Leo?"
Leo didn't answer.
He just said, “Ride at first light. Take the mountain pass. If you don't hear from me by sunset, k
