Cassian left Sher's office after some heated kissing and other uses of both's mouths, which he'd coaxed her into, though she urged him to head to the frontlines soon, warning of big things brewing there today.
The city buzzed louder than ever, its streets flooded with people pouring in from the villages and outskirts beyond the walls, their numbers swelling daily. Today was the busiest Cassian had seen, the gates packed with tight security and mages perched atop buildings, watching the crowds stream in. Few left the city, Cassian among them.
Those departing were soldiers like him, alongside cunning businessmen and women eager to exploit the war. It brought not just death but wealth and chances to climb the ranks. Where many fell, others rose to meet their destiny—or saw it crumble.
Cassian didn't think that far ahead; he just craved strength and the thrill of battle, even with death looming. Death was a destiny you'd face no matter what.
