The sky was pale and cold, the mountains shrouded in mist. Aria stood at the gates of Mooncrest with her hand resting on the curve of her stomach, watching the carriage being prepared for the journey. It was sturdy and dark, built for long travel through rough terrain, its wheels reinforced with iron. Gretta had insisted on packing extra blankets and cushions. "She's pregnant, not made of stone," the old cook had snapped at no one in particular.
Rowan was beside her, his presence a steady warmth in the chill morning air. Bael and Nyssa were already mounted on their horses, and two more warriors, Leo and Sera. She flanked the carriage on horseback. Behind them, bound and gagged in a separate wagon driven by Leo, was Varyn.
The rogue leader had been dragged from his cell at first light. He
