The sun bled through a veil of smoky clouds as the war drums began again.
A restless wind carried the scent of ash across the fortress walls, and below it, soldiers trained with renewed urgency. The celebration from the previous night had been short-lived. Aria stood on the eastern battlements, watching the sunrise with eyes that had seen too much and still dared to hope.
Kael joined her, silent at first. He didn't need words. His presence alone was grounding, a steady flame in a world that constantly threatened to freeze or burn.
"We have a report," he finally said. "From the north. The Iceborne Clans are stirring. They've sent a scout to observe us. They fear you."
Aria smirked slightly. "Good. Let them fear. That means they'll listen."
Kael handed her the scout's sigil, a carved piece of glacial stone, etched with their clan rune. "They've never bowed to anyone."
"Then we don't ask them to bow. We ask them to stand."