Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Since Aurora had been taken away by Westhaven's envoys, Barrett had been tormented by nightmares every night. He dreamed of her being tortured, her flesh slowly carved away, each strip of skin torn from her body while her blood surged like a tidal wave and drowned him.

Even in the daylight, when he was on duty, he would sometimes hear her voice. Sometimes it was a cry for help, other times a bitter accusation of betrayal, and at times, the sound of her agonized screams.

He felt like he was losing his mind.

His guilt weighed heavily on him, yet part of him still believed he had done the right thing. The internal conflict had worn him down, leaving him exhausted, mentally and physically drained.

He knew his position as deputy commander was more of a title than a real responsibility. The king never assigned him any duties. Day after day, he wandered the halls, his mind unsettled. At home, there was no peace either. Viola's constant complaints, Serena's goading to seek justice for her from the Marquis of Ironridge-it all gnawed at him.

No matter where Barrett was, he couldn't find solace. He longed for someone to confide in, someone to share his frustrations with-but he had no friends left. No one wanted anything to do with him anymore.

However, Carissa knew the truth. Aurora was still alive. There had been word from Skywing Spire. Lisandra was still trapped in Fawnrun City.

When Leroy returned to Fawnrun City, he had taken command of the military. Although he hadn't attacked immediately, he had stationed the troops and refused to retreat. He was calculating and weighing his options.

After the negotiation with Starhaven, he understood the situation was more complex than he had originally thought. To go to war would mean a lack of supplies-food, weapons, and horses. To hold back would anger the king, who had issued secret orders he could not ignore.

Lisandra would handle the negotiations with the generals. His role was simply to follow whatever path the

Lisandra had no time for Aurora. Aurora was locked away, her fate uncertain. As for Zeke and the others, they had been executed before the journey even began. Their heads were now a grim trophy brought

the Capital Guard headquarters,

at her. "Tomorrow's a rest day. Today, we'll go pick up Ryan before Lord Klein gets

days since Carissa had last seen Ryan, and she missed him dearly. Without

and handed her a paper bag. "I picked up some crispy yellow pastries for you. They're

fragrance filled the air, but Carissa neatly wrapped the paper bag back up. "I'll save it for Ryan. He

bought some for him too," Rafael replied, unwrapping the bag again. "This

Carissa couldn't help but take a bite. The crunchy exterior

moments before remembering to ask, "Have you

said with a small grin. He reached over and dabbed at the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, wiping away

The flavor lingered as she continued, her voice muffled

Matthew. This morning, I went to the Supreme Court to check in, then went out to handle some matters. Luckily, I finished

of the ongoing investigation, asked, "How's it