Verity's POV

The throne room was packed with people. Every noble from every kingdom had crowded inside to witness whatever Theron was about to do. The air felt thick and heavy and I could barely breathe through the tension pressing down on all of us.

Why were we all summoned?

Theron stood in the center of the room with his chin lifted and his shoulders squared. He looked every bit the king even though his eyes were shadowed with exhaustion and grief. Behind him stood his family and mine, all ...