The Fortress of Whispers
The ride back to Dunharrow was long and tense. Though the company carried the relief of having shattered the Serpent’s tower, their victory felt thin, as though the darkness had only been stirred, not slain.
When at last the fortress came into view, perched upon its jagged cliff with torches burning like watchful eyes, Cael felt his stomach twist. It was not the homecoming he longed for. Shadows hung over Dunharrow like a shroud.
As they passed the outer gates, the guards bowed but their eyes lingered too long, suspicion flickering in their gazes. The people in the streets watched silently—no cheers, no warm welcome. Only whispers.
Rowan noticed it too. “Word runs ahead of us. Something has changed here.”
Siora’s brow furrowed. “Not something. Someone. Alden.”
