Chapter 13
Exiled Into the Wild
Kael entered the fortress cautiously.
There were no soldiers.
No battle.
No enemy army.
Only silence.
Then the gates slammed shut behind him.
Darian appeared on the fortress walls.
"You finally came."
Kael raised his weapon.
"Where are my warriors?"
"Alive."
"Release them."
Darian laughed.
"You still think this is about war."
He revealed the truth.
The attack was a distraction.
His real target was Elara.
He wanted the Moonborn heir brought to the ancient ruins beyond the northern mountains.
Kael refused.
Darian gave him one final choice.
"Bring her willingly, or the kingdom will pay the price."
Kael escaped the fortress with a small group of loyal warriors.
But when he returned to the capital, everything had changed.
The king had ordered Elara's arrest.
The council claimed she was responsible for the attacks.
Kael rushed to the palace.
He arrived too late.
Elara had already been taken beyond the northern gates.
Not by the royal guards.
By someone wearing the symbol of Darian's faction.
Kael realized the enemy had taken her.
And he would have to follow.