Chapter 105 The Blood Oath

The dawn rose not in gentle hues of gold and lavender, but in deep red and burnt orange—as if the sky itself bled from unseen wounds. Smoke curled in lazy spirals from the far ridge where a scout tower had burned to ash during the night. No attackers had been seen, and no bodies were found. Only the howling wind remained, whispering omens that chilled even seasoned warriors. In the council chamber, tension hung heavy. Aria sat at the head of the table carved from obsidian and ashwood, the Flame Crown flickering above her head like a living thing. Her face was composed, but her eyes held fire barely restrained.