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“Beast warriors.” His jaw tightened. “But not like any I’ve encountered before. These were… wrong. Corrupted somehow. The scent was fouler, the kills more savage.”

“Lasseran’s work?”

He nodded grimly. “I believe he unleashed them on the estate deliberately, as a test of their power. The timing is too convenient—the abandoned training camp, the sudden departure of the lord’s men.”

“But why attack his own allies?”

“Because he needed to see if they would kill on command.” His hands clenched into fists, fighting to suppress his own rage. “And they did. Efficiently. Brutally. They’re mindless killers now, but Lasseran must have some way of controlling them if he intends to use them as a weapon.”

Her eyes widened with horror. “Where are they now? Are we in danger?”

“I followed their trail for several miles. They’ve moved north, away from here.” He reached across the table, taking her hand. “They’re gone, Lyric.”

For now.The unspoken truth hung heavily in the air between them.

CHAPTER 24

Lyric stood outside her cottage, watching as the morning light spilled across the garden she’d tended for years. The familiar shapes of her beehives, the weathered fence Egon had repaired, the twisted apple tree scarred by the fire but still alive—all of it painted gold by the sunrise. She traced her fingers along the rough-hewn door frame, feeling every nick and groove she knew by heart.

This place had been her sanctuary, her escape. Yet now it felt like just another stopping point on a longer journey.

“I never thought I’d leave,” she murmured to herself.

Behind her, Egon was packing the few belongings she decided to take, his movements careful and deliberate. He’d asked if she was certain about leaving, and she was—but certainty didn’t make it easy.

She knelt beside her herb garden, pinching a sprig of rosemary between her fingers. Its sharp scent filled her nostrils, familiar and comforting. How many mornings had she harvested theseherbs? How many evenings had she sat on that worn bench, watching the sunset paint the sky?

“You don’t have to come,” he said, his deep voice carrying across the yard. He stood in the doorway, hesitant. “I could return for you.”

She shook her head. “We both know it’s not that easy.”

What remained unsaid hung between them. Lasseran’s forces were moving. The Beast warriors were real. The danger wouldn’t wait politely for him to return.

She turned to face him fully, this scarred, gentle warrior who’d stumbled back into her life. The morning light caught his amber eyes, making them glow like embers.

“This place was never truly home,” she admitted. “It was just… waiting. I didn’t know what for until you came back.”

He crossed to her, his big hand engulfing hers. “Norhaven isn’t perfect.”

“I don’t need perfect.” She leaned against him, drawing strength from his solid presence. “I just need to be where I can make a difference. Where we can make a difference.”

They stood together a moment longer, then she kissed him and headed down into the village.

She found Lina tending to the tiny vegetable patch outside their minuscule home—barely larger than Lyric’s chicken coop. The girl was on her knees, carefully pulling weeds from around the cabbage plants. Her hands were already rough from years of work, but her face still held a youthful softness that Samha shared.

“Hello, Lina.”

The girl looked up and smiled at her, brushing dirt from her palms.

“Miss Lyric!” Her eyes darted behind Lyric, likely searching for Egon. She’s already come by once to thank him again for saving her from the guards.

She knelt beside her, ignoring the damp soil soaking through her skirt. This was a conversation that needed closeness.

“I need to ask you something important,” she said, picking up a small trowel and working the soil to give her hands something to do. “Egon and I are leaving the village.”

Lina’s eyes widened. “But your bees—your garden?—”

“That’s why I’m here.” She took a deep breath. “Would you and Samha be willing to take over my holding? It would provide a good living for both of you, if you’re willing to work at it.”