POV: Ferdinand King

I found myself wandering the moonlit forest paths two nights after my encounter with Miranda, my mind churning with memories I'd spent months trying to forget.

The formal dining hall of the Southern Alliance palace. My father's voice, cold and commanding as he issued the order that would haunt me forever. Twenty-three prisoners of war, most barely older than myself, kneeling in chains while the court watched with anticipation.

"Execute them," he'd commanded. ...