Zara’s POV
The ground trembled once.
Not violently.
Deliberately.
Like something deep beneath the mountain had turned in its sleep.
Every warrior in the courtyard froze.
The Warden remained perched on the fortress wall, vast wings folded, silver eyes fixed on Greyson and me as though it had expected this exact response.
I pointed at it.
“That expression on your face suggests this is your fault.”
Ancient Guardian bears witness only.
“Convenient.”
Davon leaned against a broken pillar.
“I admire how every ancient creature claims zero responsibility while causing disasters.”
Kael crossed his arms.
“It is a consistent trait.”
Greyson did not look amused.
His hand had found mine again without ceremony.
Warm.
Steady.
Mine noticed before I did.
That was becoming dangerous.
The
