VivienneThe courtyard was already packed by the time I stepped into it, the noise low but heavy, and I felt every single gaze turn toward me the moment my boots touched the stone, the weight of it pressing down but not slowing me, because if I stopped now, even for a second, I knew I wouldn’t move again.The sun sat high, too bright for what this was, lighting everything clearly, no shadows to hide in, no darkness to soften the edges, just truth laid bare in front of everyone, and I walked straight into it, shoulders back, head high, even though my chest felt tight and my pulse was already picking up.Across the courtyard, I saw them.Marcus’ men.My men or at least… they used to be.They stood in formation behind him, armored, sharp, eyes cold, but I knew those faces, knew the way they held themselves, the discipline I had drilled into them, the loyalty I had built from nothing, and seeing them there under him, wearing his mark, following his lead… it twisted something deep in my gu
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