Chapter 61 : Predictions and Preparations

*Ember*

The days continued to pass, and the tension in Moon Haven remained palpable. It seemed that every day another messenger was coming back to deliver news of the front lines, but there were no updates about Alec or Bryan. Lukas’ army was halted for now, and the forces of Whitelark were recovering, but it wouldn’t be long before the stalemate ended.

Tonight, Mary, Lauryn, and I sat outside as the sun began to set. Mary hadn’t eaten much or seemed to realize that she was falling apart every time the messenger came with no news. I wasn’t much better, but I had my training to focus on instead of the pain usually.

Today, though, Chastine had kept me from training with the maidens because of some secret rite that they were going through that might hurt me if I was there. I had practiced what I could alone. I hadn’t even managed to rustle any leaves. All of my energy was being consumed by my worry about Alec. I sank onto the steps of the Palace of the Moon, looking out on Moon H