Kael came through the eastern gate as the sun died.
Tarn rode at his shoulder. The three warriors who’d made the southern ride with them followed behind. Two days hard on horseback and the horses had nothing left. The men weren’t far off. Kael’s face had gone grey under the road dust, his silver eyes dull with something heavier than exhaustion. His hands on the reins looked like a man’s hands who’d been gripping something for too long and was close very close to finally letting go.
The kingdom was already in the courtyard when they arrived.
Forty Lycans. Every single one still standing. They’d heard the horn from the wall and come down on their own. Maren’s older mate stood at the front. Senna was beside him. Vael waited on the stone steps of the great hall, hands clasped behind her bac
