Zephyrine


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    Thest time the massive gate of Moonveil opened for me was when I came to get my parents’ ashes, but today I walked through it for an entirely different reason. To demand soldiers.


    I stepped down from my carriage and crossed therge stone space, greeted at once by the guard at the front.


    “Alpha Zephyrine. Commander Thorn is in the Iron Chamber waiting.”


    I nodded and walked on, Blue at my side, my heart heaving. What happened yesterday had gouged a deep hole in me, and with each second ticking by, I knew my brother suffered in the ce I hadnded him.


    The doors of the Iron Chamber opened as I approached, and there he was, Commander Thorn, sitting with a report in hand. The instant he felt my presence, he looked up.


    Our eyes met, and my heart went still. The journey from Ash Pack to Moonveil this morning had been heavy, my chest weighed down with trouble and doubt.


    Last night had dragged on endlessly. After the rejection from my elders and my own aunt, I had retired to my chamber, waiting for word. Jurrek Bane had returned atst, bringing me a fragment of hope. Commander Thorn had responded and would receive me.


    Still, doubts haunted me the whole way here. What if Thorn believed the Council’s lies? What if he, too, thought the Ashmeres were traitors? What if…


    The thoughts stilled in my mind as he rose atst and came toward me. His eyes carried too many emotions, and I lowered my gaze, biting my lip, almost ashamed for doubting him.


    “When I heard the rumors,” he said, voice heavy, “I couldn’t even believe my ears. Why would the Imperium Council, who delivered the orders themselves, now im your father was a traitor?”


    I couldn’t answer. I only stood in silence, until Commander Thorn sighed and gestured me toward a seat. I lowered myself down, my pulse racing.


    He nced at Blue, then back at me. I nodded.


    “It’s fine. I trust her.”


    “Sit, youngdy,” he said gently to Blue. She bowed in gratitude and took a seat a few chairs away.


    Commander Thorn sighed again, moving to sit across from me, resting his hands on the table that divided


    us,


    “Zephyr,” he began, “I should congratte you. Ascending the seat of your forefathers, carrying the blessing of the Moon Goddess. Nothing could have made the Warlord more proud or your mother. Even Varyn.” He paused, eyes searching me. “How did ite to this? I received your letter, that you wanted soldiers. For what?”


    “War,” I answered without hesitation, meeting his gaze. “War, Commander Thorn. Against ckwater.”


    7:29 pm P PPP.


    His brows furrowed deeply.


    “ckwater?”


    I swallowed hard, then nodded.


    “That’s where Varyn is. I found him.” My voice dropped, almost trembling.


    His eyes widened in shock.


    Your brother is… alive?”


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    Alive, but not well. He’s dying, and I have to move fast. Stone of ckwater won’t release him without a battle, and I’m ready, ready to shed blood, to make heads roll. If I can get my brother back, he will stand before the Imperium Council himself to shatter their lies. I need soldiers, Commander Thorn. I need to save him.”


    Silence fell heavy after my words. I could hear his heartbeat quicken, pounding with awe. Who would have hought it? That Varyn Ashmere lived, somewhere, after all these years.


    Atst, Commander Thorn lowered his gaze and shook his head slowly.


    Your hope must have kept him alive all this time. That unwavering belief. I’m d for you, Zephyr. And I will support you. Moonveil Fortress will always stand behind the Ashmeres.” His words swelled my heart antil he added the blow.


    ‘But I have grim news. Soldiers won’t march with you until you clear your name. After I shared your request, they refused. They won’t follow into battle. The Council’s words… they sound too much like truth. Every warrior from the first wave, five years ago, none returned home.”


    That was because Ran ughtered them!” I snapped, my voice breaking. “He said he received orders. from the Council itself. They’re the ones who killed my parents and the Ashmeres. Don’t you see?”


    He fell silent for a long moment, then finally nodded.


    I believe you. I trust every word. The soldiers who still believe in the Ashmeres have stepped forward and they’d die for you, if it came to it. But… they are few. Only one hundred and twenty men, Zephyr. That is all. What should we do?”


    The words cut through me like a de. My heart sank.


    What? After all my family had done only one hundred and twenty men? Out of thousands in Moonveil? <fn1418> Newest update provided by find(?)ovel</fn1418>


    Grief washed over me and I bowed my head. It would never be enough. Not even close. I thought of my brother, rotting away in that pit, and sighed shakily, raising my eyes back to Commander Thorn


    “Give me their names. The list F’ll return when I’ve found my footing!


    “Please do, Zephyr. Picase. And my heart goes with you. Never hesitate to reach for me. Never hesitate.”