Theodore’s grip was still firm around the guard’s neck, his sword glinting under the faint light that poured in through the cracked window. The guard’s breath hitched, and his hands trembled as he raised them slowly in surrender. Then, just as Theodore’s blade pressed deeper against his throat, the man’s knees buckled. He slumped to the ground with a thud, gasping for air.

“I’m not— I’m not part of Kia’s men,” he stammered, voice cracking.

The words froze everyone. Logan ...