(Ava’s POV)
Whispers always found a way to wrap themselves around my spine, sinking in before I could brace against them.
I was crossing the central yard after a brutal morning of drills when I heard them—three warriors from the southern border team, voices low, clipped, but not low enough.
“She wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Dominic.”
“I heard she used to belong to Ravenwood. Probably still loyal to them.”
“Wouldn’t be surprised if she’s feeding intel back to Caleb. Look at what happened in Stormveil. She brought that drama here.”
I froze, just behind the weapons rack, rage flaring like a sudden wound. My heart pounded—not from guilt, but from fury. I wanted to step around that corner and confront them, force the truth into their mouths whether they wanted it or not. But I didn’
