Eliana takes in a quivering breath, trying to calm her terror as the large doors to her castle are pulled open and the crowd of rebels and Climont soldiers scream out their lust for her demise. She bites down a sob, clutching at her overweight chains as dread washes over her, tightening her muscles. Two burly men flank her, matching every step she takes down the stairs. Her gaze sharpens and she clears her vision more by blinking away her tears.

Her heart aches for Jasper. With every ...