Ava left the Queen Mother’s side quickly and made her way to where Nilda was. She spun around to face Nilda, eyes blazing with urgency. “Summon Zander! Tell him—Princess Riela is missing!”

Nilda’s hands moved over the crystal Zander had left them, her fingers tracing the familiar patterns as she tried to connect. But instead of the usual pulsing glow, the crystal flared into ash in her hands, crumbling instantly.

Ava froze, a surge of panic overtaking her. “No… no, this can’t ...