The night air was thick with the scent of rain and ash. Selene stood at the edge of the training grounds, staring at the faint red glow pulsing beneath her skin—the faint remnant of Kael’s mark. It burned like a memory she wanted to forget.

She dragged her nails down her arm until the skin reddened. No matter how hard she tried, it wouldn’t fade. It wasn’t a mark of love. It was a curse—a reminder of the chains she’d once worn.

Behind her, footsteps echoed.

“Still trying to tear ...