Violet’s POV

I rolled out of bed before my alarm even went off, already dreading all that I have to do. My shoulders felt stiff, like I’d slept in a suit of armor, but I didn't sleep. All I did was think. The Makili elders’ gathering earlier had left an unsettled heaviness in my chest.

Tomorrow night, the invocation of the spirit of the claw. The elders had made it clear-- it was a dangerous ritual, one that had nearly cost Xaden his life the last time it was called upon. I could see ...