The others were already waiting out front. Riven shook her head as we approached. “Nothing. The butcher barely opened his mouth, and the blacksmith next door acted like I was holding him at sword point.”
“They’re scared,” Naia said quietly. “Or loyal to someone else.”
Jax grunted. “This whole street is rotten. You canfeelit.”
Zander folded his arms. “If the noble was staying here, he was doing more than sleeping in a back room.”
Cordelle’s gaze moved across the rooftops. “He was conducting business. We just don’t know what kind.”
And whoever helped him…
Wasn’t talking.
Chapter
Thirty
The morning air was colder than usual as we made our way to the Ascension Grounds, the rising sun casting long shadows over the stone. No one spoke. The weight of the failed search in the village still clung to our boots like ash. We’d turned over every stone, questioned every shop, knocked on every shuttered door.
And had gottennothing.
But the silence had said enough.
Someone in Warriath was leaking information to the enemy.
And the enemy was listening.
As we crossed the edge of the training field, the major’s voice cut through the wind like a whip.
“Form up, now!”
We moved into position without question. Even Ferrula didn’t grumble.
Major Ledor stood at the center, hands behind his back, his expression like carved granite. “This is it,” he barked. “The final bonding trial for those of you who remain unanchored. No more delays. No more excuses. Today we find out if you’re strong enough, and whether your dragonsagree.”
The words struck something deep in my chest.
Around us, the dragons flew above us. One by one, shadows slicing through the morning mist, wings spread wide against the sky.
Lola. Narvea.
And then Kaelith.
She glided above me, but she didn’t come closer.
Not yet.
I felt her enter my mind like a storm on the horizon. Not gentle. Not cruel. Just… inevitable.
You can end this, she said.Now.
The words echoed like thunder behind my ribs.
I offer you release from this bond. You are not chained. You never were. If you walk away, I will not follow.
I stared at her, throat tight, blood humming.
If you don’t want me, I whispered back,then kill me. Or let me die in the field. Let someone else try their luck. But I’m done chasing silence.
