— Aria’s POV

It has been few days since Damien and Louis left and everywhere felt heavier than war.

Not because there were swords to draw or spells to cast, but because I woke up to silence—no Kaelen beside me,If I slept in the room, he would sleep outside so I had to stay with my mum to make him comfortable.No Damien’s sarcastic comments over breakfast, no Louis pacing like she was already preparing for the next battle.

Just… me.

And a kingdom waiting.

I sat up slowly, ...