Olivia’s POV
By the time the spires of the council hall came into view, my body felt like it was made of stone. The days of travel had worn us thin, and the ambush in the forest still lingered in every bruise, every tear of cloth and bloodstain that refused to wash out. But exhaustion wasn’t what made my chest tighten as we rode closer.
It was the silence.
No chatter among the warriors. No muttered complaints about the road. Just the hollow rhythm of hooves striking cobblestones as the wide avenue opened before us, lined with banners and lanterns. Villagers stood at the edges, whispering behind their hands as we passed. Some bowed to Lucas. Others turned away.
Doubt was a disease, and Emily had poisoned the air long before we arrived.
Lucas rode straight-backed, his face carved from s
