Claire’s POV

Damian stayed silent. His arm remained around me, firm enough to keep me upright, but I felt his immediate shift. The hand at my waist tightened. He held his breath for a second before exhaling slowly.

The moment passed.

"Blackwood," he repeated.

The guard kept his head bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. The trail led past the eastern markers."

Damian studied him, then turned. "Captain."

A captain near the wall stepped forward, kneeling. "Your Majesty."

"Wake the war council. Every member. Tonight."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Alert every eastern border post. No cart, rider, messenger, or party crosses between Silvermoon and Blackwood without a search."

"At once."

"And wake the...