- THE FORB

r of the outpost seemed to shift its weight-guards sharpening blades, healers whis

s on her every

uriou

ateful

ful

nt, tightening slowly. And Aiden-despite his bold defiance-was

sense it now, cl

ged the moment sh

ade of P

s of Prince's Rest, but even that light didn't seem to

er hair glinting like strands of fire-light

na said suddenly, her voice

allowed.

n full ones." She circled Lyria like a predat

don't know what

hina smiled without warmth.

ffened. "

" Seraphina's voice dipped dangerously. "W

thudded painfu

o him? Not aching to stay close? Not feeling that foolish

lf bri

in, whispering si

hiding it

d respond, the ch

oyal crest gleaming across his chest. His dark hair was tied back, but

went directly

there. Warmth.

ina no

froze into so

ed, "your father

a glance. He moved past

, right?" he

nodded

jaw tightene

uard. "Prepare the carriag

e icy. "No. She will ride in the r

lly. "She comes wi

ilence droppe

gaze flicked to Lyria

rstand, Prince-bringing her into the

blink. "I'll

ina hissed.

ge of Rose

d wood, etched symbols, vines woven across the frame like

elped Lyria into t

"Are you sure t

crooked and

eath c

d, "But it's

separate carriage, eyes burning. Whe

And maybe your father. And a

ou. Because it's the right thing. You saved my life.

d. "I don't want to c

ble," he said. "

nked. "

er eyes. "You cut through the noise. The duties. The expe

art tr

felt the connection too-his hand drifted unconsciously

familiar shock of wa

sharply. "Ther

dded. "T

nd filled with wonder. "I've

er ha

could deepen, the carr

shouted

! Border guar

d. "We're bein

napped awake. She loo

the path, each bearing the black-

rode forward, pa

r announced, "the unidentified wolf-blooded girl in the

blood

." she w

ed around hers, pr

t taking yo

, lo

carriage a

ted only a heartb

Aiden pulled Lyria close, shielding her

had made its

yria was n

as a

ind the king, whispering poison

just controversial

r

Ai

ond was forming be