The first wagon was on fire when we reached the north bend. Not fully. Canvas burned along one side while two drivers threw snow against it with their bare hands.

The road had become a trap. Three wagons were turned sideways across the bend. One had lost a wheel. Grain

Leo was awake when we reached the ambassador wing. That made everything easier. And harder.

He sat on the sitting-room floor in his nightshirt with the blue blanket around his shoulders like a cape. The wooden horse stood between two carved wolves. Mara was besi

Camille answered my summons from behind glass. The Vane diplomatic residence stood inside Blackthorn's east compound, surrounded by a low iron fence and three centuries of treaty language.

White Moon guards could see the front door. Blackthorn guards could see the si