Rowan closed the door behind him, snow clinging to his boots.
“These were in Severin's study," he whispered, placing a bundle of stolen documents on Noah's desk. “You'll want to read them alone."
Noah untied the leather cord and flipped through the files.
The first was a military dossier.
Then, a photo.
A baby girl with inked runes on her wrist, nestled in a noble cradle.
His fingers trembled.
The next page: an autopsy list—names, dates.
**Shadowvale: Eradicated.**
Execution approved by: *Fog-Fang Council. In collaboration with House Aelya.*
He stared.
“No..." he whispered. “They did this."
He turned the page.
A final document. Blood-red wax seal.
**Survivor: Unknown.**
Branded as **Mute. Prophecy bearer.**
His heart stopped.
*Her.*
---
Elsewhere in the keep, Sera slippe
