Chapter 81

Chapter 81 Seraphina's POV The morning after Cassian's capture, the camp was still and eerily quiet. There were no more war drums, no more scouts galloping in with breathless reports. Only the wind rustling through broken tents and the crackle of embers still glowing from last night’s fires. I stood outside the ruins of the old temple where we’d taken Cassian prisoner. He was being held deep in the underground chamber, guarded by two Crescent Guards and Kaelos’s most loyal sentinels. There was no chance of escape. But I wasn’t worried about escape. I was worried about what came next. Callista joined me as the sun rose over the distant ridge, painting the battlefield in pale gold. Her hair was tied back, her armor scuffed, and she looked like she hadn’t slept—not that I had, either. "He’s asking for you," she said. "Of course he is," I muttered. "He always wants the last word." Callista arched a brow. "You going to give it to him?" I hesitated. Then nodded. "One last time." We walked to