Chapter 74: Burned Bodies
>>Aelin
I healed Draegon before we left for the palace. The sun was only beginning to rise when we finally landed in the palace driveway. The sky was a soft, pale blue, streaked with the last remnants of the night. A crisp morning breeze swept through the courtyard, rustling the banners hanging from the palace walls.
Despite the early hour, a crowd of servants had already gathered, waiting anxiously. Their eyes widened as Draegon’s massive wings beat against the air one final time before folding behind him. He lowered me gently to the ground, his hands lingering on my waist for only a second before pulling away.
"Aelin!"
I barely had time to steady myself before Ariston was suddenly in front of me. His brows were furrowed deeply, his concern evident in the way his sharp eyes scanned over me. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice tight.
"I’m fine," I reassured him, though I could still feel the lingering ache of exhaustion in my limbs. The events of the night weighed heavily on me, but I forced a small smile. "Really."
Ariston didn’t look convinced, but before he could press further, my attention shifted to Drakkar. He had been standing a few steps back, watching us carefully, his arms crossed over his chest. His gaze flickered to Draegon, who met his stare without a word.
A moment of silence stretched between them.
Then Drakkar’s eyes darkened. "What happened?"
Draegon’s answer was calm, measured. "We were attacked."
A murmur spread through the gathered servants, their expressions turning from curiosity to alarm. The tension in the courtyard thickened instantly.