Lola’s POV

By the time I made it back to the estate, the sun had fully set. The guards didn’t stop me, no one dared, but I knew they’d already reported everything. My family would be waiting.

I didn’t feel ready.

But I had to face it.

I walked into the war room, quiet, cold, lit by only one low lantern.

My mother stood by the fireplace, arms crossed, jaw locked tight.

My father sat behind the massive desk, a look on his face I couldn’t read.

They both turned toward me.

“Where’s Nova?” Mom asked, her voice clipped.

“She’s making sure the eastern border’s secure,” I said. “I told...