Chapter 109

Lia clutched the note in her hand while she watched people rush about.

Is there another war happening?

Ian had said it was just a simple inquiry, but there was no way that Claude would have only sent Ian a note. She believed—no, she knew he wouldn't. For this reason, she wrote a reply and headed back up to Ian's study. It was empty, save Pollan. He was resting on the perch, pecking at some kibble.

"Pollan," she called, closing the study door. The bird looked at Lia, opening his wings wide and rubbing his beak against her hand. She laughed, patting him affectionately and tying the note onto his leg. "Go back to Del Casa and give this to Claude, okay?"

He screeched softly as if he understood what she said. Lia opened the window and let him soar into the sky. He spread his wings wide when a loud gunshot rang, the bullet grazing the tip of his wing.