The crowd had gathered before the sun cleared the ridge.
Finn saw them from a distance. A sea of faces, some curious, some reverent, some just bored and looking for entertainment. They lined the road leading to the rift site, held back by a cordon of nervous soldiers in Veridian blue.
"They knew we were coming," Mira said.
"The King announced it," Dorian replied. "Three days ago. Made it a spectacle. 'The Champions of the Academy' coming to save the northern provinces.'"
"That's not what we are."
"That's what he needs us to be."
Finn walked ahead, letting the others fall in behind him. He'd learned that posture mattered. Shoulders back. Chin level. The same lesson Lucian had drilled into him years ago, in a different life. People saw what they expected to see. He'd give them something worth seeing.
The crowd parted as they approached. Hands reached out, not quite touching. Voices called out names, blessings, pleas. A woman pushed forward, clutching a child to her chest.
