Violet and Curzon stared each other down. Blades crossed, arrows pierced flesh, an entire battle took place in the valleys of their silence. Violet realized the Blood King had been right about one thing: he taught her new things about her powers. But in his desire to chain her to himself, he had set her free.

Violet reached for the ring, but pushed past, gripping Curzon’s forearm instead. Her warm touch embraced his chilled skin. Death bubbled to the surface; spirits gnawed at their ...