The news arrived in Aetherion before the day started.
Lucian was in the war room when the messenger ran in, completely wet and shaking from being so tired. The man fell to one knee, with his head down, and mud splashed onto the shiny floor.
"Your Majesty," he said, out of breath. "News from the river in the south. Commander Selene—she has captured the fortress. The rebels have run away."
Lucian slowly let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. The war map in front of him became unclear for a moment, and the stress in his chest eased a little bit.
"She's alive," he said quietly.
The messenger looked up. "Yes, my King. The soldiers say she fought like a whole army by herself."
Lucian grabbed the edge of the table tightly. Feeling relieved was dangerous—it made you less careful and weaker. He made his voice sound calm.
