"Luther controls the western state, but the east has always belonged to me, including the North—even though I haven’t set foot on this continent in a century. My warriors will keep you safe in my fortress, and once I’ve wrapped up my business here, we’ll head to my castle in Berlin. It’s the safest place for you.”

“There’s no safe place for me,” I replied softly. “And I refuse to be hidden away. Not anymore. I’ll stand my ground and fight my own battles.”

Truthfully, ...