The war room in the grand naval docks smelled of damp pine, old parchment, and stale tea. Maps of the continent were strewn across the massive oak table, weighed down by brass inkwells and dented iron compasses. Around it stood the Julian, his hands resting on the pommels of his twin daggers; Lyra, leaning heavy against her broadshield; Alysia, idly tuning her recurve bowstring; and Corvus, peering through his rimless spectacles at the sprawling borderlands.The door swung open and Every eye snapped to the doorway. Jayd stood in the entrance, shadowed against the grey morning light. He had been gone for three days—no word, no track. The golden radiance that usually clung to his shoulders like a mantle was utterly extinguished. He looked hollowed out, his jaw stubbled and hard, his dark eyes unnaturally calm."Jayd," Lyra breathed, taking a half-step forward, relief breaking across her weathered face before catching herself. "Where in the hells have you been?"Jayd didn't answer. He