The flames devoured Bernard’s body before dawn.Diana stood in silence as the sky turned crimson. Troy beside her, Kalen behind them, and dozens of warriors from Blackpine, Twilight, and Stonefang lining the execution field in solemn ranks.

No one wept. No one protested.

Bernard’s crimes had been many. His ashes would feed no earth. His name would be struck from every record, his memory devoured by silence.

And yet…

His final words refused to die.

“I hope the boy screams… when he ...