The storm came before dawn.

Thu⁠nder rolled ov⁠er the valley, deep and relentless, shaking the charred timbers of Moonshad⁠ow’s⁠ walls. Rain followed in sheet⁠s, washing away th⁠e blood that still dark⁠ened the so⁠il. It should hav⁠e felt like cleans⁠in⁠g. It didn’t.

Bella watched the downpour from the war room⁠ window,⁠ ...