Heir of Shadows

yed or convinced, but something about the quiet resolve in her eyes had stirred something within him. She might not have fully trusted him yet, but there was

right about one thing-the kingdom was in chaos, and the longer they waited,

en through so much, Rowan realized. There was no way to undo the years of isolation, no way to repair

itors that had seized power. But there were those who still remembered the old ways, those who sti

ap of the kingdom, spread out on the table. His express

"The people are restless, and the influence of the crown is weakening. But there are po

ying the map. "Which

he Dunsmores, the Virellis, and the Blackwoods. All three have deep roots in

d. "We need to make contact with them. But firs

ut firm. "You'll need more than loyalty. The throne isn't just about who you know or

, his brow furrowed

ords. "The throne was never just about bloodlines. It was about con

mething else that she didn't seem to understand. He had the

small. We need to gather intelligence, see where the cracks are in the sy

But it meant being patient, playing the game with caution. The days ahead woul

ng pause. "They've always been close to the crown. If

o be easy. The Virellis are cautious, and they don't take kindly

is voice steady. "I'm the only

eyes at him. "You'

, his expression u

ed to Eldric. "Do you know anything about the Duns

e a proud people, fiercely independent, but they've been isolated for

h Rowan and Eldric. "The Dunsmores respect strength. If they see t

seemed that the more she spoke, the more determined she became. She wasn

letter. "This should get you to the Virellis without raising suspicion.

od. "Thank you, Eldric. We'll

"We'll get to the Virellis. We'll get the sup

la wasn't just the girl he had imagined. She was something far more formid

e of a war that could tear the kingdom apart. Every step they took would have consequence

ing. But Rowan wa

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oward the first clan. The future of the kin

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passing hour. Isla was riding ahead of Rowan and Eldric, her horse moving with the quiet precision of someone who had spent a lifetime in the wilderness. Rowan had barel

as as unforgiving as the people who lived there. The Virellis were known for their cold demeanor and sharp tongue

stronghold, Eldric finally spoke, breaking th

voice low. "They don't like being caught off guard, e

wn that his return would be met with suspicion, but he wasn't here to explain hi

voice firm. "We're here to secure their support.

to catch up. Her eyes were cold, unreadable, but there was a d

haven't you?" she asked, her voice cu

, especially when my father needed counsel. The Vi

your father?" Isla ask

er expression distant. "They were. But loyalty has

"I hope you know what you're doing. If we don't g

but he also knew that they couldn't afford to second-guess themselves now. They had to trust tha

ike an unyielding presence. The Virellis were known for their strong defenses, and it was clear that they had been prepa

of the Virellis, a dark steel that shimmered like water in the fading light of the day. His eyes were cold, but there was s

id, his voice deep and gravelly. "What brin

shifted uneasily beside him. He had expected

ader," Rowan said evenly. "I hav

Rowan saw a hint of recognition in his gaze. The man's expressi

ice lowering just slightly. "I

o a thin, cold smile.

in the face of an adversary. But the man's attention returned to him, and Rowa

ing aside and gesturing for them to follow. "But I wa

o make promises. I'm here to ensure

nd imposing as the exterior, with tall stone walls that seemed to absorb the warmth of the sunlight. The

eyes of the Virelli warriors who lined the walls. They were everywhere-silen

table sat at the center, with a single figure seated at the head. The man who had been

e heir to the thr

d see the steel in his gaze. Lord Virelli was older than Rowan remembered, his face lined with

is voice low, almost like a growl. "But

t asking for your help, Lord Virelli. I'm here to offer you som

ow, his gaze flicking to Isl

f for what he knew would be the most

one," Rowan said, his voice steady, carryin

old their breath, waiting for Lord Virelli's response. Rowan could feel th

ment, the silence stretching between t

ow, but there was a harshness to it now. "The kingdom is in ruins, Rowan. And you are no longer the naive

strong as its people. And the people have been forgotten. But

'll see if you can convince us. But know this-wor

passing second. "I'm ready to show you that my

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d fixed on Rowan. The fate of the kingdom hung in the balance-and R

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