Nevara
The courtyard looked smaller from this height.
Not physically.
Emotionally.
Two boys ran across the training yard below, wooden swords clacking with reckless enthusiasm. Noah lunged dramatically. Jonas dodged late, tripped over his own feet, and burst into laughter instead of tears.
That sound.
It did something to my ribs.
I rested my palms against the cool stone of the window frame and let myself breathe for what felt like the first time all day.
Bethany was gone.
The guards had taken her through the east exit—quiet, contained, no spectacle. No shouting crowds. No public humiliation.
Just consequence.
Behind me, footsteps closed in softly.
I didn’t have to turn to know it was him.
Thoren’s footsteps were slow, measured. He didn’t speak right away. He just came up behin
