Chapter 32 — The Crown Beneath the Shadow
Blackspire woke beneath a sky the color of bruised steel.
Cloudsoril winds swept down from the northern peaks, carrying the scent of iron and distant smoke. Elowen stood at the highest balcony of the inner keep, cloak pulled tight around her shoulders, watching the banners ripple against the stone towers. The sigil of Blackspire void and flame entwined had been raised at dawn.
It was not ceremonial.
It was a warning.
Below, the fortress moved with purpose. Soldiers drilled in tight formations. Messengers rode in and out beneath armed escort. Smithies rang with the sound of reforging steel that had slept too long in peacetime. Blackspire was preparing not merely for battle but for transformation.
And so was she.
"Elowen."
Kael's voice came from behind her, low and steady. She turned.
