Aaron

The evening sky was painted in hues of crimson and gold as the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows over the grand courtyards of Mallory Palace.

The air was thick with tension, though tonight, for the first time in what felt like forever, there was a spark of hope burning in my chest.

Giovanni was back.

I hadn’t let myself believe it when the guards first brought word. "The Prince's ship has arrived,” they’d said, their faces wary, conditioned by months of ...