Whispers followed Liora wherever she walked, shadowed by suspicion and pity. Yet another shadow walked with her, too—Aric.

He had been at her side since the trial ended, a silent presence that steadied her when her knees wanted to give way. His stride was measured, always half a step behind her, his broad shoulders tense as if prepared to shield her from the world. When her hands trembled, he wordlessly offered her a goblet of water, his blue-gray eyes studying her face with quiet concern.

...