The sound of footsteps echoed down the marble hallway before the door creaked open. Mariel’s heart skipped as she saw Kaelen standing there, tall, cold, and quiet as the storm that always followed him. For days now, she had been locked away, isolated from the palace court and stripped of her power. Seeing him now, framed by the dim glow of the candles, filled her with relief and fear.

“Kaelen,” she breathed softly, forcing a weak smile. “You’re here. I was beginning to think you’d ...