Chapter 188

It slipped over the valley in long, quiet layers—blue shadow swallowing the last gold of sunset, frost returning to the edges of stone, the air sharpening with the promise of colder hours. Lanterns flickered alive along the inner walls of the compound, their glow steady but cautious, as if even light understood this was a fragile new beginning.

Kaia remained in the courtyard long after most had drifted back to their duties.

Caleb stayed with her.

Neither of them spoke for a ...