Violet’s POV

I didn’t know what possessed me to storm into the room. Maybe it was instinct. Or was it the way those wrinkled, arrogant elders referred to me that set my fury ablaze?

I had decided to bury my pride and ask Xaden to accompany me to the stable so I could begin my riding lessons. But this?

They all turned toward me, startled, as though I was not supposed to exist in the same air they breathed. Xaden’s shoulders stiffened. His mouth parted slightly-- caught. His usually ...