I woke not to Kael’s warmth, not to the fortress creaking, not to wolves pacing outside our chamber.

But to a voice.

“Flame must rule.”

Clear. Cold. Absolute.

It threaded straight into my skull, sweet as honey, sharp as a blade.

I sat up, clutching my head. My palms burned where the crown’s jagged edges pressed against skin, even though I hadn’t touched it. It had moved closer in the night.

Kael stirred beside me, restless, sweat slick on his body. His scar pulsed like chains ...