Council Hall, Nightshade Fortress

Lucien entered first. His steps were steady, his cloak trailing behind him, but his jaw was tight.

Nyla followed, her expression unreadable, while Reid already stood waiting near the long table at the center of the hall.

Across from them sat three figures. Nicholas Will, oldest of the council, scarred across his cheek.

Beside him lounged Oliver, young, handsome, and arrogance dripping from his every glance. He sat half-turned in his ...