Chapter 26

Aurelia POV

The morning air following Kellan’s breach was sharp and bitter, carrying the heavy scent of pine rosin and wet stone. The Redmoon estate was on high alert. Double sentry patrols lined the perimeter wall, rifles unslung, while heavy iron barricades sealed the postern gate I had fled through hours before.

I sat beside Cassian at the long mahogany table in the reception hall. High collars failed to completely hide the dark, blooming bruises around my throat where Kellan’s fingers had clamped down, but my posture was rigid, my chin held high. Cassian sat beside me, his hands folded over a leather tactical ledger, his face carved from unyielding stone.

The heavy double doors swung open, the iron hinges groaning.

Guarded by four armed Redmoon enforcers, Merek stepped into the hall. Unlike Kellan’s savage arrogance, Draven’s chief envoy moved with calculated, measured grace. Dressed in the formal dark velvet tunic of the Ironbound diplomatic corps