Calen let out a slow, weary breath as he sank deeper into the stiff mattress of his barracks, his muscles aching with exhaustion. The cold air seeped through the wooden walls, wrapping around him like a phantom, heavy and unrelenting. Even beneath his blanket, the chill clung to his skin, a reminder that rest would not come easily tonight.His body throbbed from the events of the past few days—the trial, the confinement, the endless weight of uncertainty pressing against his shoulders. His mind, too restless to succumb to sleep, drifted back to the courtroom. The faces of the judges. The murmurs of the spectators. The accusations that had nearly sealed his fate.And yet, the real battle was far from over.He turned his head slightly, staring at the rough wooden ceiling, his vision unfocused. His thoughts circled like vultures over a battlefield, picking at every unresolved question.Would justice ever catch up to Evan Drake?His fingers tightened into a fist.No.The law was slow, and

The chamber felt colder than the winds of the Northern Front. Thick stone walls enclosed the room, torches burning dimly in their iron sconces, casting flickering shadows that danced across the faces of the assembled officers. The air was heavy, thick with unspoken judgment, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.Calen knelt before Great General Thaddeus Ironheart, his posture unwavering despite the weight pressing on his shoulders. His muscles ached from exhaustion, but he did not let it show. Not here. Not before the highest authority in Ardenfell’s military.Ironheart sat upon his great chair, his presence as imposing as the war banners hanging behind him. His silvered hair was cropped short, his face lined with the wear of countless battles. His eyes, sharp and piercing like a well-honed blade, studied Calen with an unreadable expression.The silence was suffocating.Calen took a slow breath, steadying himself. His heart pounded, but his voice did not waver when he

The thud of Ironheart’s decree settled over the chamber like a warhammer striking stone."Very well, then."His voice, deep and resolute, commanded the attention of every soul in the hall."The hearing is concluded."Silence.Not the silence of relief—but the silence of finality."It has been decided—Calen Storm will carry out his punishment."The weight of those words crashed onto every ear in the room, and the reaction was immediate.A few officers exchanged glances. Others inhaled sharply, their expressions shadowed with unease.Someone muttered, "He’s as good as dead."Another, shaking his head, whispered, "This is no different from a death sentence.""What else did he expect? Betraying the army's discipline so soon after his promotion?" a stern-looking commander scoffed under his breath.A lower-ranked officer near the back grimaced, his voice hushed yet clear. "He’s being sent to die. Just like that."A few murmured in agreement.Some looked at Calen with pity. Others with indif

Two days later, the Drake and Frost families were fully prepared. The estate hummed with restless energy as servants bustled through the grand halls, their arms laden with silk drapes, fresh roses, and trays of fine silverware. The scent of jasmine and myrrh hung in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of candle wax as golden chandeliers were polished to perfection. Outside, the chapel stood in resplendent glory, its tall stained-glass windows catching the afternoon sun, spilling a kaleidoscope of colors across the velvet-lined pews. Every detail had been arranged with precision—this was to be a wedding that would be remembered for generations.Yet, in the quiet of the bridal chamber, away from the grandeur, Lila sat unmoving. The mirror before her reflected a vision of ethereal beauty—her wedding gown, a masterpiece of ivory lace and pearls, clung to her form like a whisper of moonlight. Her golden hair was woven into intricate braids, adorned with delicate crystal pins, and a veil

Marylin’s heels clicked sharply against the polished marble floors as she strode down the long, dimly lit corridor toward Lila’s chamber. The sconces lining the walls flickered with candlelight, casting elongated shadows that danced with her every step. The silk of her emerald gown whispered against the cold stone, but her expression remained as unmoving as carved granite. Each step was deliberate, each breath measured. She had spent years ensuring this moment would come to fruition—there was no room for hesitation now.The moment she reached the heavy wooden door, she lifted her hand and knocked firmly."Lila," she called, her voice smooth but commanding. "Open the door."Silence greeted her. Not even the rustle of fabric or the quiet shifting of feet could be heard from within.Her brows furrowed. She knocked again, harder this time, the sound reverberating down the corridor. "Lila, enough of this nonsense. It’s time."Still no response.A flicker of unease crept into her chest. Mar