Ravan burst out of the castle balcony like a storm breaking free.
Cold air slammed into his face. The snow stung his skin. His long coat snapped behind him as he shot into the sky.
His heart was beating too fast.
"Why are they attacking so early…" he muttered. His voice shook slightly, but he tried to steady it.
They had fought just a week ago. Both sides had lost men. Both sides had pulled back.
Normally, there would be time. One month. Sometimes two. Time to rest. Time to gather strength.
But not today.
"Damn it… why now?" His teeth ground together hard enough to hurt.
He had been waiting for news from the Zakir Empire. Just one message. One sign of support.
Instead, he got a bell.
He flew faster. The air screamed past his ears.
Ahead of him, he saw a figure cutting through the sky.
"Zaphir!" Ravan shouted.
Zaphir stopped midair and turned around quickly. His face was pale. His eyes were wide.
"Brother…?" he said.
