The Ashen Wastes were behind them, but their echoes lingered in Kaelin’s mind. Each step away from that shattered monolith felt heavier, as if the very ground mourned what had been broken—and feared what was still to come.
The Hollow Legion moved swiftly under the pale light of dawn, their numbers tight, their formation disciplined. Though victorious, no one spoke of triumph. Everyone knew: this was only the beginning.
Theron rode beside Kaelin in the center of the column, his gaze scanning the road ahead, always watching, always alert. The chill in the wind wasn’t natural. Magic laced the air like a warning.
Kaelin’s fingers rested gently over her stomach. The child stirred softly beneath her palm, a reminder of what they fought for, of what must survive even as the world threatened to
