Chapter 7 A War Without Guns

The nights in Kaerinth no longer held silence only the whispers of things left unsaid. Wind howled through broken towers. The stone walls sweated with damp. And Emily lay awake, staring at the ceiling, listening for footsteps that never came.

She hadn't visited the cell in two days.

But his voice still echoed in her head.

You're the only one left who doesn't pretend peace is enough.

She hated how right he sounded.

Ruth entered the war room early, files tucked under her arm, exhaustion weighing down her shoulders. She hadn't slept either. Ivy was already there, reading by lantern light, fingers skimming intelligence reports she wasn't cleared for.

"You've been busy," Ruth said coldly.

I work better when no one's watching, Ivy murmured, not looking up.

You always do things in the dark.

Ivy turned a page. That's where the truth lives.

Ruth stepped closer. Why are you really here?

Ivy finally looked up, her eyes unreadable. Same reason you are. Emily.

Ruth's face hardened. Don't say her name like you know her.

Ivy rose, slowly. And you do?

There was a pause. Heavy. Sharp.

She trusts me, Ruth said.

No. She trusts no one. That's what war does. Ivy tilted her head. "You know it too. That's why you're afraid.

Afraid of what?

That she'll choose him. Ivy's voice softened, almost pitying. And that you won't matter anymore.

Ruth moved fast.

The papers scattered, the table cracked as she slammed Ivy against it. But Ivy didn't flinch. She didn't even blink.

You have no idea what I've done to keep her standing, Ruth hissed.

Ivy smiled. Maybe. But I know what you're willing to do to keep her from falling.

And that scared Ruth more than anything.

Below, in the cell, Raphael sat cross-legged, eyes closed.

He was remembering her.

Not Emily the commander.

Emily in flame-lit corridors, with blood on her cheek and a broken sword in her hand.

Emily who screamed and didn't stop fighting, even after the flag burned.

He smiled to himself.

I can hear the cracks forming, he whispered to no one.

Soon... she'll come back.