The wind howled outside the war tent as if echoing the storm that raged inside Cambria's chest.
"They've taken the Citadel," Evelyn said flatly, voice void of emotion.
Cambria's heart paused. "You're certain?"
Knox stepped forward from the shadows, blood streaking his torn shirt. "I saw it myself. The banner of the Crimson Regime flies over our mother's keep. The Pandora Units tore through our defenses like paper."
Evelyn didn't flinch. "And Maddox?"
Cambria's eyes flickered to her. She hadn't heard Maddox's name in over two days. Not since he'd left with a dozen elite knights to defend the southern passage.
"Missing," Knox replied grimly. "Or dead."
"No." Cambria's voice was sharp, steel in her spine. "He's not dead. I would feel it."
Evelyn's gaze snapped to her. "You still believe that kind of connection exists?"
"I do," Cambria said, jaw clenched. "Because if I stop believing in that, I become exactly like her."
