The translucent dome shimmered softly at the center of the chamber, its surface alive with runes that pulsed in a steady rhythm. It arched over the bed where Princess Riela lay, enclosing her completely in a cocoon of protective magic.

Gavriel stood just outside its boundary.

His hands were clenched at his sides, knuckles white, his gaze fixed on the woman kneeling at the edge of the dome. Althea’s palms hovered inches from the glowing barrier, fingers trembling as she carefully aligned her ...