Lola’s POV

The wind howled across the cliffs beyond the training fields, dragging clouds across the moon like torn veils.

I stood alone at the ledge, my boots dusted with dirt, the scent of battle preparations still clinging to my skin. The jagged horizon stared back at me like it was daring me to falter.

I didn’t.

But gods, I wanted to.

Kael’s voice still echoed in my ears. The warmth of his fingers brushing mine hours ago, it was ridiculous how such a small touch could throw my entire balance off. Especially now, with everything on the edge of collapse again.

He was steady. He was steel. He was...