“Enter,” I say, impatience threading through my voice.
The door swings open, and one of my spies steps inside—a wiry man with sharp eyes and light blond hair.
He bows. “Chieftain.”
“What news do you have for me?”
“Asha’s army is on the move,” he says.
My pulse hammers in my ears. “Where are they headed?”
“North, toward the Giiana Desert.”
Of course.
This is just the next step in Aleksander’s plan.
“How many warriors do they have?” I ask.
“At least three thousand House of Silver warriors and two thousand Watchers of the Dawn.”
Concern etches across Jude’s face as his eyes meet mine. “They won’t stop unless we act.”
Frustration coils tight in my chest as images flash through my mind—villages burning, our people slaughtered.
The spy shifts uneasily. “There’s more. Lady Annora has been seen with them.”
My heart lurches. “Annora?”
“Yes, My Lord. She rides with their army.”
A wave of anger crashes over me as I grip the edge of the table until my knuckles ache. “Ifheputs her in harm’s way...”
“We’ll get her back,” Jude says.
We will!
Then, I will have my vengeance on Aleksander.
“We have to prepare,” I say as I stare at Jude. “Rally our commanders. Strengthen the defenses along the border.”
Determination glints in Jude’s eyes as he moves to the door. “I’ll see to it.”
I turn to the spy. “You’ve done well. Continue monitoring their movements.”
He bows. “As you command.”
After they leave, I stare out the window toward the distant desert. Asha and Aleksander have turned my wife into a weapon against me.
Turning from the window, I pace the length of the room. They think to break me by using Annora, to fracture my spirit and leave me vulnerable. They underestimate the strength of what binds us, something far deeper than any magic Aleksander wields.
I move to the table, sweep aside the scattered scrolls, and unroll a fresh map. My gaze traces the routes through the desert, seeking the path that will intercept them.
Asha and Aleksander have made their choice. Now, I make mine.
I will face them.
I will stop them.
