POV: KAEL
I watched them go.
Sixty-three dragons. I'd counted each one as they left, their names burning into my memory like brands. Warriors I'd fought beside for centuries. Council members who'd advised me through countless crises. Dragons who'd sworn oaths of loyalty to the Northern Kingdom.
Now choosing Vaerix's vision of purity over the future Elara and I were trying to build.
The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of red and gold that felt mockingly beautiful given the circumstances. Vaerix's group had shifted into flight formation, heading toward the distant mountains where they planned to establish their separatist territory.
"Should we go after them?" Theron asked quietly. He stood beside me, his expression conflicted. "My lord, we can't just let a quarter of our military strength leave without—"
