Pov: Ember.
The knock on the door came hard and fast—three sharp raps that startled Ember from her seat near the hearth. Asher was already standing, face tense, as he opened the door to find Saul waiting, breathless.
“It’s Julian,” Saul said. “He’s trying to leave the Peak. With Rowan.”
Ember was on her feet instantly. “What? Why now?”
“He’s at the east road. Maren’s with him.”
Asher didn’t hesitate. “Let’s go.”
—
The wind bit at their coats as they reached the tree-lined road just past the ridge. The moon was pale and high, casting long shadows across the dirt path. Ahead, they saw them—Julian holding Rowan’s carrier, Maren beside him, tense and pleading.
“Julian!” Ember called.
He turned slowly, eyes dull and distant. “It’s done,” he said. “I’m leaving. There’s nothing left for me here.”
Asher stepped forward, voice low but urgent. “You’ve been poisoned, Julian. The tea. You drank it when you came to see me.”
Julian’s eyes flickered. “You’re blaming tea for my choices now?”
“Yes,”
