For ten hidden years, Rowan served Frosthold as a scout and Dorian as a secret spouse. Every dangerous mission left new wounds, yet Rowan believed that earning enough honors would let them stand openly beside the Dragon Riders commander. Instead, Dorian handed Rowan's achievements to Orion, an untested newcomer. Heartbroken by the betrayal, Rowan walked away from the city and chose a quiet life in the place they once called home. Only after Rowan disappeared did Dorian uncover the truth buried in years of field reports. He stripped Orion of the praise he never earned, but regret could not bring back the one person who had loved him without asking for anything in return.
