A Humbling Decree

Kaia's POV

The sharp scent of pine and wrought iron burned my lungs with every breath. The cobblestone streets of Bastian’s kingdom offered no warmth. This was a harsh world of black steel and ruthless military precision. It was an intimidating contrast to Caius’s worn, relaxed lands. Everything here moved with a brutal, synchronized rhythm. Massive guards patrolled the parapets. Banners of the g