Aurora's POV
The moment we crossed into Velmoria’s heart, a deafening blast of trumpets rang out, rattling through the black spires and hollow streets. The sound wasn’t celebratory—it was haunting, sharp and cold, like a warning meant to claw straight into my bones.
My stomach twisted as Caleb’s monstrous army erupted into cheers, their voices blending into a sickening roar. They called my name, chanting it like I was some sort of prize they had won.
Caleb’s stallion came to a halt before the massive gates of the fortress. He gripped me tightly, then shoved me off his lap as if I were nothing more than garbage. I stumbled forward, my knees hitting the cold, cracked stones with a painful thud.
“Up,” he barked, yanking me to my feet by my arm. His claws dug into my skin, sharp enough to
