Noah POV

The drive home feels endless.

My hands grip the steering wheel. My jaw aches from clenching it for the past hour.

'I lost everything.'

The trade pact. The peace treaty. Access to Ironshade territory.

All gone. In one conversation.

'And I still haven't seen Zoe.'

Finn is silent in my mind. Has been since I left James Brant's office.

He's angry with me. Disappointed.

'Join the club.'

The road stretches ahead. Empty. ...