(Chapter 112:Mira's POV)
The fortress felt quieter without Caelyn. Too quiet. His absence gnawed at the edges of my thoughts as I stood on the balcony, the cold wind brushing against my skin. Somewhere beyond the horizon, he was facing the Mer King—alone. And I hated that there was nothing I could do to help him.
Lorenzo joined me, his presence a steady force against the uncertainty pressing in. "You're worried about him," he said, reading me too easily.
"He shouldn't have to do this alone." My voice was softer than I wanted it to be. "Alaric's reach is spreading too fast. If we don't secure the Mer King's alliance—"
"We will." Lorenzo's tone left no room for doubt, but his jaw tightened, betraying his own frustration. "Caelyn can handle himself."