We returned to our chambers as the sun dropped behind the western ridge. The children were already asleep in the big bed, tangled together in a pile of limbs and blankets. Lila had one arm flung over Thorne. Elara curled against her brother's back. I stood in the doorway for a long moment, watching their small chests rise and fall.
The kings stayed close behind me. Darius rested a hand on my shoulder. Kane brushed his fingers along my arm. Rylan leaned in and pressed a kiss to the side of my neck.
We would ride at dusk tomorrow.
We would end this threat before they could complete their ritual.
I turned to the three of them and felt the bond settle deeper, stronger than it had been since the night I returned from Shadowpine. The children slept safe between us. The keep held. The wall I held inside myself was still standing.
Tomorrow we would take the fight to the northern triad.
And we would bring it to them on our terms.
