Mira’s POV

We left the compound three days later. Maelen remained locked in the lower cell, sedated and sealed. Sylen was gone, executed by the council before we could question her. Kael believed it was a cover-up. I agreed.

We didn’t speak during the journey. Not until we crossed the border into the southern woods. Cyrus rode ahead. Lyra stayed close. Kael drove the transport. I sat in the back, memorizing the names from the whisper-chain.

There were eleven. Only five are confirmed alive. ...