Chapter 72

Chapter 72 Seraphina's POV The wind howled like a warning as I stood at the edge of the Northern Watch, staring out over the cliffs. Below, the ocean churned, dark and restless, mirroring the storm within me. Kaelos was supposed to be here an hour ago, but I wasn’t angry. I knew where he was. With the council. With the alliances. Holding everything together while I unraveled. A soft crunch of gravel behind me broke the silence. "You’re getting harder to find," Kaelos said, stepping up beside me. I didn’t turn. “I needed air.” He nodded, slipping his hands into his coat pockets. “The Eastern envoys just left. They’ve pledged their full support—as long as we continue to hold the Crescent River crossing.” “Which we will,” I said simply. He looked at me for a long moment. “You haven’t spoken since the report came in.” I tensed. “There wasn’t much to say.” “Five Flamehart envoys crossed into Hollowreach yesterday. Not just messengers. Soldiers. Dressed as diplomats.” “Cassian’s making his m