Smoke covered the southern valley.

The first village appeared beyond a line of ancient oak trees, its eastern cottages burning. Civilians ran toward the fields carrying children and bundles of clothing. Local guards attempted to hold the main road, but

The scarred commander’s body had turned to ash before he could name the true architect of the southern attack.

Kael’s name, however, had survived him.

It appeared in the testimony of three freed rogues whose compulsion marks Cora and I had broken. It a

Dawn found the Silverbrook lodge under Supreme control.

Guards sealed Thomas’s study, the infirmary, the accounting office, and every private room belonging to Evelyn. Council investigators arrived shortly after sunrise carrying orders signed by Grand C