THRYSTAN POVRaith’s name hung in the air, as insignificant as it seemed, but my mind raced with darker thoughts. He could be the key to everything—perhaps even Arwyn’s involvement in the attack tonight. I had to know if he was aware of her role, if any. If he did know, I’d have to silence him, one way or another. I twirled the glowing steel rod between my fingers, watching as the heat rippled through the air. “Raith,” I repeated slowly, letting the name settle between us. “You were with Pete tonight. You'reone of his men. What were you doing here? What was the reason for the attack?”He glared at me again, but this time there was less venom, more hesitation. “You’re wasting your time. Pete doesn’t care about me. Neither should you.”“I disagree,” I said, stepping closer, the heat from the steel grazing his skin. “You’re part of something larger, Raith. Pete sent you into the palace for a reason. What was that reason?”His lips tightened. Silence.I tightened my grip on the glowing s
ARWYN POVThe ladies of the Ember sat for a late dinner that night, their chatter subdued after the chaos at the Sun Ball. The men were busy patrolling the castle grounds, the woods, and the roads leading to Wyrm, ensuring Pete's men were nowhere near. His attack had caused quite a stir—more than I had planned for. I had wanted a distraction, but I never expected Pete would aim for the Ember itself. His ambitions were more dangerous than I had anticipated."Arwyn helped to save the evening," I heard Ahvi say, pulling me from my thoughts. "I heard from Kyle that she predicted the leader of the rebel would be heading for the Ember's nest."Whispers of surprise and admiration spread around the table. I remained quiet, feeling their gazes on me like a weight."How could she possibly know that?" Sora’s voice cut through the praise, her fingers delicately twisting the stem of her goblet. The smug smile on her face was unmistakable.There she was—always finding a way to turn admiration into
ARWYN POVHis gaze was steady, unwavering, and far too perceptive for my liking. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my expression neutral as I tugged the hood back slightly, revealing my face.“Thrystan,” I murmured, hoping my voice didn’t betray the panic rising inside me. “What are you doing here?”He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a step forward, closing the space between us. His presence was magnetic, as it always had been, but tonight, there was something different—something more dangerous lurking in the depths of his eyes.“The better question,” he said slowly, “is what you’re doing down here, Arwyn. In the dungeons. In the middle of the night.”I forced myself to meet his gaze, fighting the urge to look away. I had expected his suspicion, even his mistrust, but the intensity of his scrutiny was unsettling. I had to think fast.“I heard one of the rebels had been captured,” I said, keeping my voice as steady as I could. “I wanted to see him for myself.”His eyes narro
* chapter glossary * + Aetherium— hospital or clinic + Teldrin — DoctorARWYN'S POVChaos reigned in the Aetherium. Servants rushed up and down, the slap of their footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls as they carried buckets of water. The healers moved frantically, doing all they could to revive the stricken. The once quiet halls of the palace now felt like a battlefield against an unseen enemy.The Plague had swept through the palace like a thief in the night, its reach swift and merciless. Guards, servants—no one was safe. Already, some had fallen to its grasp, and the rest waited in fear, their faces pale with the certainty that death lingered nearby.I tied a strip of cloth around my nose and mouth before stepping into the Aetherium, clutching a bucket of water. The air was heavy with the acrid stench of vomit and decay, thick enough to cling to the skin. The torches, dimly flickering against the walls, cast long shadows across the stone floor, making the scene even mo
chapter glossary* + Sun Dance — Year/ yearly/ every yearARWYN POVI never imagined I’d find myself in the palace temple, yet here I was, seated across from a mage who studied me with the intensity of a predator. His pale blue eyes pierced through the dim light like an owl’s, unsettling me more than the heavy, red cloak draped over his thin frame. The very sight of him edged at my senses, making the air feel thick and suffocating."What did you say troubles you again, Blessed One?" His voice was calm, but there was a strange edge beneath it, as though he was growing weary of my hesitation.I could never quite understand the purpose of the Mages. They presided over coronations, anointed royals with their solemn rites, but beyond that, their roles seemed vague. Why did the realm even need their crimson-clad presence?"Dreams. Visions," I muttered, unsure of how to put the chaotic images that plagued my mind into words. His expression remained stoic, his pale eyes unblinking as they fi
ARWYN'S POVI found Thrystan standing in the deserted palace garden, fully armored—leather kilt, gloves, boots, and gleaming shoulder and knee pads. How did he know I’d be here? Ever since discovering this hidden corner of the palace, known as the Spring Palace, it had become my refuge. A quiet place to think, to reflect. This was where I shared my first dance with Thrystan, no music but the birds and the rustling trees. He told me to use nature as our maester."There you are," he said with a boyish smile, strolling down the stone steps, adjusting his gloves as he came closer.I raised a brow, casting a glance at his armor. "Oh no, don’t tell me we’re at war already," I muttered sarcastically, my lips curling into a half-smile.His chuckle was deep and familiar, like the echo of distant thunder. "Not yet," he teased. "I’m going dragon riding, and I need you to come with me."The words made my heart skip a beat. His eyes gleamed with the kind of mischief I knew well."You’re joking," I
THRYSTAN POV"Currently, soldiers are stationed at the Base and Noor Settlement. There has been no entry or exit from Reedridge, so it may be the safest place from the plague," Uncle Morwin reported, his voice steady as always.I leaned forward, eyes narrowing as I spoke. "What about the Dragon Spire?"All eyes in the council chamber shifted toward me. Even Father’s gaze settled on me, waiting. But I pressed on. "The Dragon Spire is heavily guarded. It doesn’t allow just anyone in. Shouldn’t it be safe?"Lord Bayan fiddled with the smooth cuboid in front of him—an emblem of his status at the council. Every councilman had one once seated at the table. But here, it was just the councilmen, myself, and the King."Still, Your Highness," Bayan began cautiously, "there's no guarantee. Servants haul carts and supplies from Wyrm to the Spire every day. It could be a risk.""Then shouldn’t we be concerned about the dragons?" I countered, my voice firm. "We don’t know if this plague can’t affec
THRYSTAN POVThe throne room was grand and imposing, as always, but tonight, its grandeur felt like a heavy shroud pressing down on me. The vaulted ceilings stretched endlessly overhead, cold stone walls lined with flickering sconces casting long shadows across the room. The flickers of torchlight did nothing to warm the place. It was always a stark contrast to the rest of the palace, but now it seemed particularly oppressive, as if the very air within these walls weighed more than it should.The King sat on his towering throne at the far end of the room, the coldness of his blank expression mirrored the unforgiving stone surrounding us. His eyes, sharp as ever, locked onto mine as I approached. No hint of emotion flickered across his features; just a steady, piercing gaze that silently commanded me forward.The guards flanked me as I strode toward him, the sound of my boots echoing on the polished stone floor. I could feel their eyes on me, but the King's silence held more weight tha