It was a fortress of dark stone, its towers stretching high against the sky. Massive, commanding, and unforgiving. Banners rippled in the wind, the sigil of Avador marking its claim.
The cold hit me like a slap as we rode through the gates, my breath fogging in the air. I tugged my cloak tighter, stealing a glance at Atlas.
He wasn't looking at Avador. He was looking at me.
Ever since I'd ignored him, his gaze had been on me—watching. Taking in every movement, every shift of my expression. And right now, his eyes were darker than I'd ever seen them.
I swallowed and turned away.
At the castle entrance, a crowd had gathered—staff, subjects, waiting to welcome their ruler home. But as we dismounted, one woman stepped forward, her posture straight, her amber eyes gleaming with something unreadable.
A slow, knowing smile curved her lips as her gaze flicked between Atlas and me.
"I was beginning to wonder when you'd return General," she said, voice smooth.
