“And you always think I’m stronger than I am,” I murmured.
He gave me a tired smile. “You’re the strongest person I know.”
I leaned in and kissed the corner of his mouth before settling back against him. His arms wrapped around me again, tighter this time. Like he was afraid I’d disappear if he didn’t.
“We’ll figure it out,” he said. “We’ll unmask whoever’s pulling the strings.”
“Even if it’s your brother?”
He hesitated, then nodded. “Especially if it’s my brother.”
I closed my eyes against the ache in my chest. Because if that were true… neither of us would come out of this whole.
Chapter
Forty
Kaelith’s voice shattered the quiet of my dreams.Get up.
My eyes snapped open.What is it?
The army marching against us has reached Solmia.
I sat bolt upright, the sheet falling from my chest. “That’s too soon.”
Their forces are much higher than anticipated,she continued, her tone urgent.And the Blood Fae are working with them.
I swung my legs over the bed, panic sharp in my lungs. “How can you be sure?”
The black dragons are fairly obvious.
Zander shot up beside me, already pulling on his tunic. “What did she say?”
“The Crimson Sigil’s army has reached Solmia. Black dragons are aiding them.” That alone told him everything. His face tightened as he hauled on his armor. I grabbed mine, shoving my arms through leather and steel, binding my hair as I went. We didn’t speak. There wasn’t time for questions or fears—only action.
We burst through the chamber doors and raced down the corridor, our boots echoing off cold stone. Guards turned as wepassed, their expressions darkening with worry as they fell into step behind us.
The sky was still tinged with lavender when we reached the Ascension Grounds, but the dragons were already stirring. Riders hurried into formation, summoned by some silent, collective dread.
Kaelith landed with a thunderclap of wings, her eyes lit with fury. Hein followed close behind, scales flashing with restrained power. Ferrula was already strapping on her weapons. Jax stood beside her, his jaw clenched.
Major Ledor barked orders to nearby squadrons, and Tae’s usual smirk was nowhere to be seen as he passed Cordelle a spear.
Zander turned in a slow circle, taking in the rising chaos.
“We’ll need aerial support and ground units immediately,” he said, voice as sharp as a blade. “Solmia cannot fall.”
I moved to Kaelith and touched her shoulder.We’re ready.
Major Ledor turned to Zander, his expression tight with tension. “It was Prince Theron’s direct order that all guild and dragon forces remain here to protect Warriath.”
Zander didn’t even blink. “Theron isn’t here now.” His voice rang clear over the grounds, drawing the attention of nearby riders. “Since he’s vanished and left us without leadership, it falls to me to make that decision. And I don’t leave innocents to die. I won’t sacrifice Solmia for Warriath.”
There was a pause. Then the major gave a slow, solemn nod. “Understood, Your Highness.” And there was something new in his voice—respect. Not obedience out of duty, but conviction.
They moved closer, lowering their voices but I caught the essentials. “We’ll send thirty dragons,” Zander said, eyes scanning the assembled riders. “Thrall, Warborn, and Stormforge. Keep the rest back to defend Warriath. We can’t leave the capital exposed.”
“I’ll see it done,” Major Ledor replied. “And what about the civilians?”
