The winds over Firespire howled louder than usual. Ominous. Restless.
Sophia stood on the balcony outside the war chamber, eyes scanning the horizon. The sky was clear, yet her instincts screamed storm.
Noah joined her, arms folded. "You haven't slept."
"I can't." Her voice was a whisper against the wind. "There's a poison here. In this castle, in the people. Something festering."
He studied her profile. "You think someone else is under the Umbrants' influence."
"I know they are." She turned to face him. "Kaen was just the first thread. I have to find the others before everything unravels."
He hesitated. "And if the next traitor is... someone close?"
"Then I'll do what I must." Her voice was steel, but her eyes trembled.
Noah reached for her hand. "Then so will I."
⸻
Lirael retur
