POV: Corvin

Power is a jealous mistress, and she was currently burning my hands to the bone.

The emerald fire still crackled in the air, clinging to the shattered remains of the temple roof like a living thing. Stone dust rained down in slow, mocking drizzles as I dragged myself upright, my palms blistered and smoking where I had tried and failed to cage the boy’s awakening.

“Kenny, the True Heir.”

I laughed, breathless and sharp, even as pain lanced through my arms.

“So much for ...