Sylthara's POVMy grief and anger had turned into worry for Nathan before I even realized it.I knew I shouldn't be thinking of him. He had betrayed me and that was enough. But my legs wouldn't stop pacing despite the weight of the wedding dress and jewelry pulling at me.I walked to the window for fresh air but it didn't help. Even the beautiful sprawling lands of the clan, which had always brought me joy, felt like nothing now.My heart screamed one name. Nathan.Despite everything I had sent Malakai to keep an eye on what remained of Navarre. He had told me for what felt like the hundredth time this morning that there was no sign of Nathan anywhere.My heart pounded. I turned sharply from the window and just as I stepped forward I caught the hem of my dress underfoot.I thought I would fall but I landed in someone's arms instead.I almost screamed but cold hands came across my mouth. Then a scent I knew too well, herbs and spices, filled my nostrils.I turned to see a figure I hadn

Dravon's POVThe morning hadn't properly broken before I walked out of my inn room. I moved through the large hallways until I reached the wide entrance that served as the welcome hall.It had taken time travelling by sea to Navarre, all of it necessary because I couldn't risk flying in dragon form, not when the whole city was on edge and every road watched. Yet I still needed to see Nathan again. Part of me knew it wasn't a good idea, but I would try. I had wiped out half his hometown and turned him into a fugitive running from the law and the king's wrath. I hated myself for that.The inn was quiet. Most of the rooms were occupied but their occupants were asleep.I crossed to the innkeeper's counter. At first it seemed empty until I spotted the bald innkeeper slumped against a chair.I knew it wasn't right to disturb someone's sleep this early, but I had to leave now. I rapped my knuckles on the wooden table. He flinched awake in shock."Woah, you scared me," he said, eyes finding m

Dravon's POV My eyes drifted back to Nathan. That look in his eyes was something I knew too well. "You should stay, at least for now," I said. Sylthara nodded and came to stand beside me. His eyes moved to me. They held no expression, calm on the surface, but I knew there was a lot going on beneath them. "Say something," I started. "I don't like that you remain so unmovingly quiet," I said. He smirked. "If only you knew I regret the day I met you. If only you knew that all I have to say is curses. But for everything you did, for every lie you told, for coming into my peaceful life and destroying it — all I can do is keep silent," he said in a surprisingly calm tone. His words broke something in me. Not just because of what he said but because of the way he now saw me. "I—I—" I stammered, trying to find words. "Enough, Dravon," he said, raising a hand. "Now that you're here you can snap the last bit of control crawling under your scales and burn Astridgar to the grou

HAZEL'S POVMy breath came out in shallow pants as I fell back onto the grass."You overexerted yourself. You should have used spells," she said, handing me a napkin."But you said the greatest powers come from siphoning," I said, dabbing the napkin beneath my nose.I pulled it away and saw it stained with my blood."Come on, Hazel... I also said it comes with a cost," she said, studying me with a worried expression.I got to my feet, holding her gaze."I'll be fine, Dorwen. Trust me."I said it, but my body told a different story. I was shaking inside."Hazel, I know you want to save your people... to stop the curse ravaging both realms. But please, watch out for yourself."I looked into her worried eyes and nodded.---My eyes settled on the fountain. It had always been my favourite spot, but today it felt different. I couldn't stop worrying.About both clans.And yes... about Dravon.He had successfully blocked me out, and I couldn't help but wonder why.Why would he do that if he

SYLTHARA'S POV The discomfort of lying on the barrack spring bed only added to the sleeplessness the pain in my heart had already caused. I tossed again on the narrow bed, still unable to close my eyes. Instead, they kept wandering around the five stone walls that made up the tiny room, a space that felt more like a cell than a bedroom. When I couldn't bear it anymore, I climbed out of bed. My legs tensed the moment they touched the cold floor, but if I wanted some fresh air, slippers would only echo against the stone. I tiptoed toward the door and, as carefully as I could, eased it open before slipping outside. It was cold out here, though not as cold as it had been while the rain poured earlier. I made my way through the stone corridors lined with small steel doors. I walked carefully but quickly. It was late, and the last thing I wanted was to bump into a stranger. As I rounded another hallway, I spotted a large opening ahead. A balcony. From where I stood, I could make out