Lorien POV

Avaline stood just outside the dungeon entrance, tears slipping down her cheeks in silent, steady streams. She didn’t say a word as I approached with Lucen and the new guard trailing behind us.

Queen Elara had insisted that Riven be treated and forced to rest before returning to my side. And while I should have appreciated her concern, fury simmered in my gut. She had assigned someone new to guard me without even discussing it with me as if she had the authority to decide my ...