The first snowfall of the season blanketed the Kaelith mountains by dawn.

Elaria silently watched the white flakes drift from her chamber's small window. With shadowy figures moving around courtyards, guards honing their weapons, and Elders whispering behind closed doors, the fortress below shifted like a living beast.

Draven hadn’t come back.

Not since that kiss. That confession.

The specter of his mouth on hers was still there. Despite all neither of them had said, I could still taste ...