The seawall hums faintly, the wards shimmering like heat waves against the night sky.
I can feel the weight of eyes on me—fishermen, servants, guards—everyone who remained behind when we sailed away just five days ago.
They’re watching. Waiting.
Amber touches my elbow, guiding me toward the inner gates.
“This way, milady. The people will need to see you.”
My legs feel like lead, but I force them to move.
Inside, the corridors of Castletide pulse with that pearlescent shimmer I’ve grown almost used to, the walls glowing faintly with the sea’s own magic.
The air is damp and cool, threaded with the tang of salt.
It feels alive, as if the keep itself is holding its breath.
We enter the great hall. Families are gathered here—mothers clutching children, elders murmuring prayers, guards sharpening weapons though their eyes keep darting to the doors.
The moment I step inside, silence ripples outward. All those eyes shift to me.
Amber leans in, whispering urgently.
“They need reassurance. If you are the Lady of Castletide, now is the moment to prove it.”
My heart hammers, but I lift my chin. I think of Kael—the way he looks at me, like I’m more than enough.
Like I am his and I belong here.
“Lord Kael is fighting for us,” I say, my voice louder than I expected. The room quiets further, leaning in. “And while he does, we will hold strong. This keep is not just stone and magic—it’s home. And no enemy will take that from us.”
A murmur runs through the crowd.
Some nod, some straighten a little taller.
Children peek out from behind their mothers’ skirts.
I step closer, resting a hand on the carved pearl rail of the dais.
“I may not be from here. I may not fully understand all of Nightfall yet. But I know this—Kael fights with everything he has because he believes in you. And I will do the same.”
Amber clears her throat beside me.
“Lady Phoebe, the lower vaults contain supplies and arms. You could order them readied. It would steady the people.”
I nod.
“Then let’s do it.”
And for the first time since Kael left, I feel something other than confusion and uncertainty.
I feel purpose.
Chapter 23
Kael
BattleAgainst the SoulTakers for the Eastern Tidal Lands
