THORNE POINT OF VIEW

The throne room doors closed behind me with a heavy echo, sealing out Aria and whatever expression had flickered across her face as I left.

I pushed that thought aside.

Whatever the elders wanted, it required a clear head, and mine was anything but clear where she was concerned.

The council elders stood in a cluster near the foot of the dais, robes gathered, eyes sharp with judgement. They hadn’t even waited for me to sit before one stepped forward.

Elder Rowan is ...