Zara knelt before Lila, her head lowered in submission, though her heart thundered beneath her ribs. The chamber was thick with shadows—unnatural, pulsing, alive. Lila sat upon her throne of black stone, her presence a suffocating pressure that seemed to drain the air itself.“My Queen,” Zara began, her voice tight with reverence and fear. “The rogues have agreed to the attack. They believe Ella is the reason for their banishment. They’re eager... rabid, even. Thirsting for her ...