LYRA

The healers confirmed what we'd all been desperately hoping, the antidotes had worked and the poison was clearing from his system. He would recover though he'd need weeks of rest and careful monitoring to ensure no lasting damage from the toxin.

Queen Seraphine moved to her son's bedside and touched his hand gently. "You scared us, don't ever do that again."

"Mother, the Selection—" Kael started.

"Is suspended until you're well and we've rooted out all of Vargos's remaining ...