AVIONA'S POV
King Faelan and I didn’t bother stepping inside the palace. The moment I relayed Mirrena’s message, he turned us back toward the gates.
We hadn’t taken more than a single step when a carriage rolled to a stop a few paces ahead of us.
The door opened, and Ravion stepped down. He looked as immaculate as ever—tailored coat, hair perfectly tied back. But this time, there's a cane in his hand. When he moved, the limp was unmistakable.
I loosened my fingers and let the white dove take flight, its wings catching the light as it vanished into the sky, already racing back toward Heartwild.
“Ravion,” King Faelan greeted. “You’re back early.”
Ravion shrugged lightly. “I’ve had enough rest,” he said. “You know me, Your Majesty. I can’t stay idle for long.”
His gray eyes flicked br
