Eleanora’s POV

The sun barely pierced the clouds as I stepped outside, cradling my daughter close to my chest. The courtyard, once filled with laughter and running feet, was silent. Every warrior had been summoned. Every guardian on edge.

Red eyes in the North.

That phrase repeated itself in my mind like a heartbeat, impossible to shake.

Nova appeared at my side. Her eyes, sharp and glowing with magical tension, told me everything I needed to know.

“They’re not just rumors,” she said. “One of our scouts came back frozen. Literally. Covered in a rime spell. He’s being treated now, but he saw something. Something in the ice.”

“What did...