Chapter 41: The Final Trial Begins
Velandria’s sky burned with gold.
As dawn unfolded over the palace, the citadel shimmered in divine hues—as though the gods themselves leaned down to watch. The bells tolled six times, their echo rolling across the mountain cliffs and through the breathless courtyards of the royal city.
It was the day of the Final Trial.
Eira stood at the highest window of the bridal contenders’ wing, her fingers curled around the cold stone sill. The ceremonial gown—a robe of pale ivory silk embroidered with phoenix feathers—hung behind her, untouched. Her reflection in the glass shimmered, but she didn’t meet her own gaze.
Because it wasn’t hers. Not fully.
Selis had been quiet since the ruins.
The kiss she and Alric had shared still lingered on her lips like a s
