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

One month later, winter released its hold on the Supreme Capital.

Snow still crowned the mountain peaks, but new grass appeared along the lower slopes. Meltwater flowed through the ravines surrounding the Obsidian Citadel, and the pine forest smelled of