Adrian looked up toward the jagged remains of the estate's perimeter wall. A dozen figures worked across the estate now—cultivators, masons, and guards—moving under Bella's watchful eye. They were few, but loyal. They weren't rebuilding a palace. They were reawakening a legacy.
A sigh escaped Adrian's lips. "It won't be enough."
Bella stepped forward. "You took down the Raven Chain. You destroyed Julian's soul construct. You even exposed City Lord Richard's crimes to the inner court of the Vyre family. That gave us breathing room."
Adrian turned to her, voice low. "But they're not gone. Richard's still in power. The sects are still watching. The Bound Star marks me—and every faction in the Empire will come for it eventually."
Bella's gaze sharpened. "Then we make them think twice."
She tossed him a rolled scroll.
Adrian caught it and unfurled it.
His brow furrowed. "A list?"
