THE FIRST DECISION The morning light felt too bright for a day that started with such a heavy heart. Esmeralda sat at the edge of the large bed, her bare feet touching the cold stone floor. Beside her, the spot where Demetrius usually slept was still warm. He was already out, probably dealing with the council, but today, she wasn't going to wait for him to tell her what the schedule was.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes looked tired, but there was a spark in them that hadn't ...