THE PRICE OF THE CROWNThe victory didn't taste like honey. It tasted like smoke and copper.

Esmeralda walked through the Great Hall. The Hunters were gone, fled into the dark woods, but they had left their mark. The tapestries were torn, and the stone floor was slick with water and blood. People were huddled in corners, crying softly or just staring at nothing.

"Esme," a voice called out. It was Kael. He looked older than he had this morning. His face was streaked with soot. "They're in the ...