LYRA

I arrived at Kael's study with my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst through my ribs, every instinct I'd developed over years of survival screamed that walking into this room was dangerous but I forced my feet to keep moving. The guard outside opened the door without question, apparently expecting my arrival, and I stepped through into the prince's private space.

Kael stood by the window with his back to me, shoulders tense beneath his formal jacket as he looked out at the ...