Chapter 16

Ronan's POV

Mara read the same line seven times.

I knew because I counted every repetition, and no one touched her while she read. I made sure that included me.

Around us, Ironwood was still putting out the fire in the Winter Oath Hall. Captain Orsik had taken temporary control of the guard barracks, three council elders were out of confinement, and Gideon had vanished through the northern service road with Darius.

None of it mattered to Mara while her mother's name sat on the page.

"Four months ago," she said finally.

Soren nodded. "That is the most recent review date."

"Where is Central custody?"

Soren hesitated long enough for Mara to look up sharply.

"Do