Chapter 30

The camp stirred in silence before dawn, cloaked in soft grays and murmuring wind. Soldiers moved like shadows around dying fires, rolling up bedrolls, checking weapons, preparing for the march to Duskwind Vale-the vampire-held borderlands.

I stood at my window, My heart pounded-not from fear, but from the weight of my choice.

It was almost midnight, I left my bedroom to find my mother. I knew she was probably in bed with my dad, but I needed to see her urgently.

Though I loved ...