Kaelith’s voice threaded into my mind, as sharp as truth.He knows it. And now you do too.
Hein’s voice cut clean through the silence.We must return to the Ascension Grounds. Katama’s rider has vexing news and wishes to meet with Zander.
Zander’s jaw tensed, but he gave a short nod. “Let’s go.”
I climbed onto Kaelith’s back, the air tense as we rose into the sky, sunlight flickering off her scales like blades of violet flame. Zander mounted Hein, the pair flying beside us in sharp silence. I could feel the question rising between us—What now?—but neither of us gave it voice.
As we crested the final ridge and descended toward the castle, the Ascension Grounds came into view. Remy stood near the edge, arms crossed, his expression storm-dark as we landed. The moment he saw us dismounting together, his eyes narrowed. Kaelith’s tail flicked warningly as I slid to the ground.
Zander dropped down from Hein’s back in a smooth motion, his steps unhurried as he approached Remy.
“You were looking for me,” Zander said flatly.
Remy held up a folded parchment, stiff with seal and soot. “This came through the informant line just an hour ago.” His tone was tight. Controlled. “You leaked troop movements to sympathizers of the Crimson Sigil. We lost over twenty members of First Guild.”
The air stilled. Even the wind held its breath.
Zander’s eyes flashed bright with fury and disbelief. “I have never,” he said, his voice low and lethal, “nor would I ever betray this kingdom.”
Remy didn’t flinch, but his jaw ticked. “The report says the leak was traced back to Crownwatch. It has your royal seal on it.”
“And that makes it mine?” Zander snapped. “Half the guard has access to my seal. If you truly believe I would trade lives for?—”
“I don’t,” Remy cut in, softer now, but not backing down. “But someone does. And they’re feeding this to the council.”
Kaelith’s voice whispered in my mind.They’re framing him. This is no accident.
I know.My thoughts burned like fire.But how far does it go?
I stepped closer, placing myself between them. “We don’t have time for in-fighting. If someone’s framing Zander, then we need to find out who. Fast.”
Zander didn’t take his eyes off Remy. “Get me the names of anyone who has access to my room.”
Remy gave a single nod, though his glare lingered a beat too long. “Already working on it.” Then he turned and walked off, the report still clenched in his fist.
Zander exhaled through his nose, barely restraining the rage simmering in his veins.
“They’re coming for you,” I said softly.
His gaze slid to mine. “Then they’ll learn what happens when you push a dragon rider too far.”
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Quinn’s boots struck the stone path with urgency, his dark robes trailing behind him as he exited his tower. I caught the tension in his shoulders before he even spoke.
“Ashe,” he called, his voice tighter than usual. “May we speak?”
“Of course, Quinn.” I stepped toward him, Zander shadowing me. “Is everything alright with the pool?”
He shook his head slowly, eyes shadowed with something far heavier than fatigue. “It’s gone darker,” he said grimly. “But that is likely because… two more warders were murdered.”
My stomach turned to ice. “Here?”
“One here,” he confirmed, “and another in Brosha.”
Zander’s jaw clenched. “How?”
