Mira’s POV

The tower was silent. Kael stepped in. No armor. No sword. Just the weight of everything unsaid. “I’m leaving at dawn,” she said without turning. He didn’t ask why. He already knew. “If I stay, they’ll destroy everything to get to me. You. Rhian. Even Lyra.”

She finally turned to him. “I won’t be the reason Blackridge burns.” Kael nodded. Slowly. “Then leave like the warrior you are. Not the threat they claim you to be.” He handed her a plain cloak, no ...