Chapter 10

The air around the palace crackled with tension as news of Kael’s reinforcements spread through the ranks. Ronan stood at the edge of the battlements, staring at the horizon where faint lights flickered—markers of the Syndicate’s approaching fleet. His silver eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation.

Behind him, Lila approached, her boots clicking softly on the stone. She carried a datapad loaded with reports, but her gaze lingered on Ronan’s profile. The weight of his decisions pressed heavily on him, and for the first time, she noticed how exhaustion etched faint lines into his face.

“They’ll be here by nightfall,” she said, breaking the silence.

Ronan didn’t turn. “And we’re not ready.”

Lila frowned. “We’ve held them off before.”