Verity's POV

Sleep refused to come.

I lay in the darkness of my chambers, staring at the ceiling where shadows danced around reacting to my emotions. They'd become familiar companions over the years—these darkness-born creatures that served me, protected me, obeyed my every command. Yet tonight, they offered no comfort.

"Your heart is at war with itself," Azazel rumbled from where he rested near the door, his massive form a reassuring presence even in my turmoil.

I didn't respond. What ...