Chapter 1983

Every word Manfred uttered was filled with the utmost gentleness. Manfred chuckled softly. "For ten years, this copper mirror has never felt different. But now… it's warm." Perhaps it was just his imagination. The bitter cold of the border had seeped into his very bones. The soldiers and the remaining citizens had not had a proper meal in three days. Like everyone else, he had survived on bark for the past three days. If not for the last shred of humanity left in him, he might have resorted to what many others had done—eating the flesh of the fallen barbarians, drinking their bone broth. But he was afraid. Afraid that one day, if he ever saw Vivian again, she would know what he had done and find him filthy. That thought alone steeled his resolve. Manfred carefully placed the copper mirror back against his chest. Even if tonight meant certain death, he would carry it with him. Perhaps, in death, he would finally see Vivian again. Nightfall came swiftly. The entire city was sh