The first fire arrow struck the western watchtower at midnight.
The second landed on the stables.
By the time the third exploded over the courtyard, Silverflame Keep was in chaos.
“She's here!" Rowan shouted, sprinting into Noah's war room. “Aelya. With rebels. Severin opened the gates."
Noah's eyes were already on the burning sky. “Position archers. Reinforce the north wall. And get her—now."
---
Sera stood on the East Tower balcony, watching flames bloom across the keep.
Then—hoofbeats.
A silver banner pierced the darkness, flapping with a twisted crest.
At its head rode Aelya, cloaked in mirrored armor.
Her face, sharp and flawless. Her smirk—cruelly familiar.
Soldiers dragged a fallen guard aside. Aelya raised her goblet high.
“This ends now," she called. “Bring me the impo
