Wind howled and snow swept down. Tears had no sooner welled and fallen than they froze upon her lashes.
Theron stood with eyes red and burning, speaking through gritted teeth. "I shall tear this place down. Gate by gate. Court by court. Stone by stone. I shall not stop until Avelisse consents to come out to me."
Caedryn walked on without so much as pausing. Over his shoulder he called, cold and sharp, "Close the gates."
The two guards exchanged a look, then stepped forward. "Please. Leave."
Confusion flashed dark and wild in Theron's eyes. "Why do you not care? I have sworn to destroy this place! Why does it mean so little to you? Avelisse loved this school more than anything. Unless... unless she..." The words died on his tongue.
Doubt rose up and tore him open. He refused to believe
