The rain fell in sheets across the stone courtyard of Valdris Keep, each drop a cold accusation against the woman kneeling in its center.\n\nLyra Vance had held her sword for twelve years in the service of House Maren. She had killed for them, bled for them, watched friends fall under her protection. And in return, they had handed her a broken blade and a broken reputation when the ambush came.\n\n"Stand," commanded Lord Aldric, her former commander. His voice carried the practiced indifference of a man who had already decided her guilt. "You failed to protect the heir. You failed to survive with honor. The Maren name is scarred by your incompetence."\n\nLyra rose slowly, her knees aching from the stone. The weight of her armor — or perhaps something heavier — pressed her shoulders down. Around her, the remaining knights of the garrison watched in stony silence. Not one would meet her eyes.\n\n"I survived because someone needed to tell this story," she said, her voice raw. "The ambush was orchestrated from within. I have evidence —"\n\n"Evidence." Aldric let the word fall like a stone into dark water. "You have your word. The word of a disgraced knight with no witnesses and no honor."\n\nThe rain continued to fall. Somewhere in the keep, a door slammed. Lyra felt the last thread of loyalty snap somewhere deep in her chest.\n\n"Then I will find my own justice," she said.