Calista's POV The sound of war was different than I imagined. Not the clean clash of swords from stories but something messier. Uglier. Screams mixed with metal grinding against metal. The wet thud of bodies hitting the ground. The acrid smell of blood and sweat and fear thick enough to choke on. This was real. This was happening. And I was standing in the middle of it. Zevran had tried one last time to convince me to stay in the palace. To remain safe behind walls while others fought. But I refused. Could not hide while people died because the Council wanted me. So here I stood on the battlefield wearing armor that felt too heavy and gripping a sword I barely knew how to use. Terrified. But determined not to run. The Council's army had reached us faster than expected. They pushed through the mountain pass despite the traps Theron set. Despite the barricades. Despite everything we threw at the
Last Updated : 2026-08-27 Read more