The battlefield finally quieted as dusk settled. Amid torn banners and smoldering wreckage, Ethan moved among the survivors, ensuring the wounded were cared for. At his side, Celestia strode with draconic grace, her tail flicking behind her. The Northern army had triumphed, but the toll was heavy.A sudden cry drew their attention to the makeshift refugee area enclosure. Two guards struggled, stumbling backward from a silver-haired thrashing figure. It was Lyssandra, the wolf-girl they'd freed during the chaos. Her amber eyes blazed defiantly, teeth bared even as her body trembled with exhaustion and lingering pain."Lyssandra!" Ethan called, quickening his pace.At the sound of his voice, her ears perked up, and she immediately stopped struggling, eyes wide and searching. "M-Master Ethan?""Just Ethan," he gently corrected, stepping closer. "You're no one's slave anymore."Lyssandra dropped to one knee, bowing her head deeply. "Forgive me, I—I onl

Kaelthorne studied Ethan’s face, then Celestia’s, as if weighing his options. “You spared me because you think I might help you expose this hidden hand? You think I know something?”“You might,” Ethan replied. “Or at least, you might find out things I can’t. Officially, Kaelthorne died in battle today. The world thinks you’re gone. That gives you freedom to move unseen, investigate in ways I can’t without drawing attention.”Celestia stepped forward, her voice hard. “If we release you, you’ll work under Ethan’s direction. No more massacres, no more terrorizing innocents. If you betray us, I will hunt you down and burn you to ash. Understood?”Kaelthorne smirked faintly. “The hound on a leash, is it? You certainly have a way with persuasion.” He then met Ethan’s eyes. “And what’s your role in this grand plan, if I’m