The rain fell like knives on Highridge Fortress.
Kaelin stood motionless atop the western bastion, her cloak soaked and heavy, eyes locked on the growing army below. Soldiers in silver-rimmed armor lined the valley like a flood of steel. Lightning split the dark skies, revealing their banner: a coiled silver serpent with a shattered crown.
“He came faster than expected,” Theron muttered at her side. His golden eyes scanned the formations with a quiet fury.
“He wants to end it now,” Kaelin said.
Behind them, the fortress bristled with urgency. Soldiers rushed up and down stone staircases. Archers prepared arrows soaked in oil. Ballistae creaked as they were loaded.
Lira appeared from the shadows, soaked to the bone. “Scouts report siege towers on the east road. They’ll reach us before
