*Part 1: Immediate Aftermath – 7:00 PM, Drayce Keep Courtyard*
The ward circle’s shatter left the air tasting like copper and ozone.
Silence fell over the courtyard. Thirty Drayce men dropped their weapons when they saw Lord Drayce hit the ground. The mages didn’t run. They couldn’t. Elara’s wards had them pinned.
Darius pulled his blade free and wiped it on Drayce’s coat. “Secure the keep. No looting. No killing unless they fight.”
Kade’s wolves moved immediately, herding the surrendering men to the walls. Ryn’s scouts secured the mages, tying them with iron-cord meant for rogue casters.
Aria was still on her knees, hands on the cracked stone. Her breathing was ragged, ward marks under her skin dimming slowly.
Elias was at her side in a second. “Aria?”
She looked up, eyes unf
