The scent of ash still clung to Kaelin’s cloak as the caravan rode through Highridge’s gates.
The journey from Murak had been grueling, the weight of their victory offset by the sense of something unfinished. Though the Ember Saint had been defeated, Isara’s escape left the taste of ash and prophecy lingering in Kaelin’s thoughts.
She dismounted silently, a wave of exhaustion crashing through her body as Elira and Theron helped organize the returning Ashbound. Seren ran from the keep with Elira’s daughter behind her, arms outstretched, and Kaelin dropped to her knees just in time to catch her.
“Mama! You’re back!”
Kaelin clutched her tightly, burying her face in her daughter’s hair. “Always, little star.”
But even as she held Seren, she caught the sharp gaze of Myrra from across the c
