Long shadows were formed on the chamber walls by the modest fire in the hearth. Elaria wore a flimsy robe that slipped off one shoulder as she sat at the edge of the bed with her hair unfastened. After the Circle's trial, her body pleaded for her to sleep, and the pain in her bones was constant, but her thoughts wouldn't stop.

Beside her, Draven slept fitfully, his face turned to the open window where the moonlight flowed in, his breath heavy. His body was tense even when he was at rest, ...