Crimson Fang’s border looked smaller than Elara remembered.

Five years ago, it had felt like the edge of her entire world.

Not long ago, crossing it in the other direction had felt like freedom.

Now she returned at the head of a Royal column.

Not as a

For five days, Crimson Fang rebuilt itself around Elara’s defense plan.

By dawn on the sixth day—the day of the blood moon—it no longer looked like a home.

It looked like a fortress.

Stone blocked the old service passages.

Archers held the ridge.

Royal Gu

The real evacuation began before sunset.

No alarm.

No screaming.

No one waiting for rogues to cross the line.

Elara had ordered civilians underground while the sky was still clear.

Some complained.

One elder called it excessive.

A mother thanked he