LOGINLYRAI woke up to screaming. It was not coming from outside or from the halls. It was coming from inside me. I sat up fast and felt a sharp pain in my stomach. It was not just pain; it was like something was trying to split me open from the inside.My hand went to my stomach. I felt the twins moving. They were not kicking; they were thrashing around as if reacting to something I could not see. The room was dark except for a mist that was pouring in through the cracks under the windows. It was not just drifting; it was flooding the room. It seemed to be alive and urgent.I took a sharp breath and tried to calm down, but something was wrong. Deeply wrong. I tried to call out for Ares. Before I could say his name, the chamber doors slammed open. He was already there. He had his sword drawn. Was only half-dressed. He looked like he was ready for a fight.Ares came over to me. Asked what happened. I told him I did not know. He looked at me with an expression, and I could tell he was trying
LYRAThe war room was empty for the first time in days.It was not quiet because nothing was quiet anymore,It was empty enough that I could hear myself breathe.This was a luxury, a luxury.Maps still covered the table with markers that had moved and routes that had been redrawn where weak points were. There were contingencies on top of contingencies until I was sick of my own brain.Outside, the night pressed against the glass, and mist sat low around the walls, watching and waiting like the rest of us.I rubbed the knot in my neck because I had been thinking too much, standing too much, and just existing too much while being pregnant with what felt like two tiny wars.One of the babies kicked hard. I winced."Rude," I muttered."They have your timing," a voice said from behind me.I smiled before I could stop myself, which was a reflex.It was Ares, of course.He did not make any footsteps or give any warning; he just showed up in rooms now, as he belonged there, which was becoming
Serena’s POV.Something is changing.It is not on paper.It is not in the reports.It is not in ways my scouts can measure and give me like proof.No.This is worse.This is my gut feeling.My gut does not explain itself.It just sits under my skin. Ruins my night.I stand at the window. I stare out at a night that's too quiet to trust.Stormclaw below is perfect.The torches are in lines.The shifts are on time.The archers are on the east wall.The messengers are moving between towers.Everything is where it belongs.Order.It is visible.It is built.It is comforting.It is a lie.It is an one.There is a knock.Three short taps.It is Harrin.No one else knocks on doors like they personally offend them.“Enter.”The door opens.It closes.There are footsteps.I do not turn.“What.”“The western rogues are in position.”That is good.That is what I expected.That is what I have been waiting for.I fold my arms.“Report.”The paper rustles.It always makes a show.“There are three
Lyra’s POV.War has a sound. It is not the sound of swords or blood. That comes later. The sound of war is the sound of preparation.I hear boots on stone. I hear knives being sharpened. I hear orders being given in tones but they carry. I hear maps being opened. I hear doors opening and closing all night. I see people pretending they are not dead on their feet.The Fortress has not slept in two days. I have not slept either. My body has decided that sleep is optional now. I hate it.I stood over a table moving markers on the north ridge. A report was open beside me. I was looking at it.There are three groups moving near the west pass. Our supply routes have been confirmed. Two scouts are gone. Darric says they are not dead not back. Which is worse I wonder. Dead is honest. Missing means there are variables.. I am drowning in variables.The twins moved. They are sharp. They made me stop. My hand went to my stomach. It was automatic. Mine.I did not even think about it.. Someone else
Ares’ POVKingdoms fall for reasons. They can fall because of a heir, a bad ally or one wrong move. History is fragile like that. Many bloodlines end over things than whats sitting outside our gates now.Standing in the war room under silver light watching Lyra lean over the map with one hand on her stomach I've never been surer we'll make it out of this. Not because it will be easy. Not because Serena is predictable.. It's not because Kael finally grew a brain. No it's because Lyra changed.She doesn't move like the woman I dragged out of ruin. That Lyra was sharp and furious. But fury is reactive; it drives survival. Every choice she made came from pain from staying alive one hour. This Lyra though shes done surviving. Shes building. There's a difference. Its terrifying.Her finger traced the north roads. Silver mist curled around her wrist like it learned patience from her. Darric was talking about west movement, supply shifts and scouts returning before dawn. It was useful and nec
Kael’s POVSomething feels off.I felt it before the messenger spoke.You learn to recognize the signs when you've been around enough.The air feels different.Footsteps are cautious.The messenger's face reads ‘please don't make me say this.’The messenger bows, it was too quick and too low.He's already annoying me."What?" I asked. It's not a question; it's an order.The messenger swallows hard and said, "My King."He looks afraid.“There was… activity at the Lycan fortress."Of course, there was.Everything happens there now.Lyra turned a border post into the center of the world. It's impressive, but also really annoying."What kind?"“Magic sire."That makes me stop.The magic isn't outside; it's inside."Explain."The messenger looks like he'd rather be elsewhere, and that's good.“Scouts saw silver mist past the walls."That's fine; I expected that.Lyra likes drama.Then he says, "But this was different."“The mist went into the walls."There's silence.No that's new. It's b







