There was no sleep after the fire.

No peace after passion.

Only ash.

When Kael left the tent bare-chested, jaw clenched, eyes still glowing with something not entirely human, I wrapped myself in his scent-stained cloak and stumbled into the night air.

But I didn’t get far.

Because the shadows pulled me.

Straight to the trial circle.

The priestess was already waiting, her blade unsheathed, and three bowls burning in a blue flame.

“The First Trial begins now,” she said. And it is ...