CHAPTER 47

ARIA'S POINT OF VIEW

Kaelen's integration into the Valley was a delicate and carefully monitored dance. He was granted a certain degree of freedom—he was allowed to walk the grounds, visit the gardens, observe the training fields—but he was never alone.

Elias, or a trusted guard, always stayed a few steps away, a silent, watchful shadow. Cera made it her mission to be a visible and menacing presence whenever he approached the warriors' quarters, her distrust forming a tangible wall.