The council had ended in discord. Each kingdom lord returned to their own land, scrambling to muster armies, fortify walls, and prepare for the storm that loomed ahead. The duchess's path of ruin was no longer speculation it was fact, carved into Jasper's maps with jagged red ink where once-proud cities had burned. Jasper needed to prepare his men for the ruthless battle that awaits them.
The Snow Manor, though safe for now, carried a heavy silence. Nicole rested in her chambers, pale and frail from the piece of life-force Chantelle had ripped away. Clarice was gone back with Duke Noah in Lilith and Nicole felt the absence keenly. Rowland made sure she had everything she needed but as far as seeing the twins that was put on hold. Only because Jasper wanted her to rest but her babies was everything to her.
On the third morning, she rose with trembling limbs. "I need to see my babies, Vincent and Juliet" she whispered, her voice weak but determined.
