Chapter 136: Uneasy Alliances

Winter's Crown seemed to hold its breath as Damien and his forces returned from the western forests. The streets were quiet, the people tense, waiting for the next chapter in a war that had grown more personal with every passing day. Calder's forces had suffered a blow, but his capacity for cunning and resilience meant Damien could never lower his guard.

As Damien dismounted in the palace courtyard, Amara was already at his side, her sharp blue eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced ease.

"You think he's going to retaliate right away?" she asked, her tone more thoughtful than teasing.

Damien's steel-gray eyes hardened. "Calder won't waste time. We've stalled his advance, but he's far from beaten. He'll adapt—he always does."