a's

ing I'd ever known. And even though he was nothing but a Nyren, there was something about him, a rawness, a strength that drew me to him. It was maddenin

ng my head with warnings about Aiden. According to her, he was a monster hiding behind those cold eyes, a half-breed who didn't deserve his place in

enough pain to make me believe her. She told me about how Aiden had been involved in mother's death, how he'd stolen h

r voice that made her hatred feel like mine. ''He was there whe

re for justice, for revenge, maybe even for power. Elara made it seem like my

, Zara,'' she'd say, brushin

t this world needs...someone strong, someone noble, not

more to the story. Maybe Elara's words weren't the whole truth. Yet, her voice was

at it meant to love someone, but with Aiden, I'

me to him. He was always so cold, so distant, hiding behi

one. The first time I stumbled upon them, hidden in the shadows, their words low and guarded, her ha

o much to contain. Her laughter was soft and dismissive, as i

had whispered, a sly smile tugg

ing I do is for you.'' She reached out,

re to make him vulnerable. He's not an ally,

dn't tell what was real. Elara's voice was always so warm, so reassuring like she could see thro

ayal I felt when I saw them together. Even as I let Elara feed my anger, I could still feel the

taught me that power demands sacrifice, and

ES

m when Elara strode in, her silhouette sharp against the early morning haze. She moved like she owned the pla

hly, stepping forward. 'I've sent the guards. He'l

ir, keeping my tone as even as hers. ''I want hi

d, but her eyes glint

t's to see you take your rightful place.'' her hand sett

re will be nothing to

ion. But I saw her ambition as clearly as the sword that hung by her side. Elara had long be

ys count on you,'' I sa

yers of practiced indifference. I let her see what she wanted, a hint of admiratio

caught those of Rylen, standing in his usual spot by the doorway, his arms crossed. He lo

t to nudge him on the shoulder in a ge

Rylen. She's up to m

row, a teasing smile

d your dear aunt,'' he

don't. Elara wants this power as much as I do, maybe more. She just hides it better. But

sion softened a

a. She doesn't know it, but she

way that was far more familiar than I wo

me,'' I murmured. ''That's why I

there was something he'd kept hid

omised, the warmth in his eyes bet

r roles we'd been given. Rylen had always been my f

n everyone else demanded something from me. And now, with Elara pr

n handle her, it's y

r a moment before he gave

g for you, Zara.