Court. Towers of black stone spiraled into the stormy sky, glowing ve

hispered, awe and fear

t hers. "It is alive," he sa

d faintly, pulsing as if reacting to the Court

ce low, almost a growl. "

ped. Senses me? What

ncient and ominous, opening with a sound that echoed through the stone hal

ldn't escape. The electricity between them made her stomach twist. She hated that she felt

lack robes moved like whispers through the halls, their eyes glowing

if reading her thoughts. "Shadow-blooded, l

what?" Avalora'

r none of us fully understand. They'll wa

eyes like black ice. "Rion," it said, voice smooth and commandi

old. His eyes, silver and piercing, locked on Avalo

sh to her cheeks. She wanted to hide it, cover it, do anything-but

a faint, sharp smile. "Interes

alora asked

mth-electric and terrifying-ran through her. "The prophecy speaks of one w

ped. Balance of magic?

Fear clawed at her chest-but alongside it, a strange thrill. Every glance from R

And survive. And maybe..." His gaze flicked down to her lips, almos

not to give in to the pull that had been

ght. Impossible. D

The connection betwe

the storm outside raged harder. Avalora realized the storm outside

, she understood: ther

magic in her veins-it was all tied